Specs on M4

markiii · November 6, 2003, 00:40

Chaps,

Got this officially at work, so I assume it's accurate. Just as well as I use the route regularly.

Dear All!
This applies especially to those of you who shuttle between BRISTOL and LONDON
The SPECS –speed enforcement system is now live on the M4 between Junction 12 - Theale, and J14 Hungerford, just east of Membury Service station. A transport minister switched it on officially, for a '6-month trial period' on Tues 7 October 2003.

It is likely to be set at 78mph real road speed! No human intervention is required in issuing speeding tickets, so very large numbers can be issued automatically.

PS. The cameras are mounted on the overhead information signs, (pairs of tiny cameras). They DO NOT FLASH, so you won't know you are likely to 'cop' a ticket at the time.

Anonymous · November 6, 2003, 01:03

This one's rapidly becoming an urban legend;

From http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ -

QuoteThe Highways Agency has installed new signs between J 12 and J 14 of the M4 as part of a year long pilot project to reduce congestion and collisions. The signs have two CCTV cameras. One which monitors the sign itself to make sure its working and displaying the right message; and another to monitor the congestion to evaluate the effect the sign is having on the traffic.

There are NO speed cameras and NO SPECS cameras in the signs!

The only involvement Thames Valley Police has is to change the messages on the signs according to the conditions to give up-to-date information. This is done via our control room. The signs are owned by the Highways Agency.

There is detailed information about the project on the Highways Agency website. Please follow the link below or call them on 0845 955 6575. m http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/ms4/09.htm m

Anonymous · November 6, 2003, 01:04

While we're at it, as no doubt this one will crop up soon;

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/unmarked-cars.htm

(Calling 112 from your mobile does nothing more than the same as 999).

markiii · November 6, 2003, 01:07

Quote from: "pmdye"This one's rapidly becoming an urban legend;

From http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ -
QuoteThe Highways Agency has installed new signs between J 12 and J 14 of the M4 as part of a year long pilot project to reduce congestion and collisions. The signs have two CCTV cameras. One which monitors the sign itself to make sure its working and displaying the right message; and another to monitor the congestion to evaluate the effect the sign is having on the traffic.

There are NO speed cameras and NO SPECS cameras in the signs!

The only involvement Thames Valley Police has is to change the messages on the signs according to the conditions to give up-to-date information. This is done via our control room. The signs are owned by the Highways Agency.

There is detailed information about the project on the Highways Agency website. Please follow the link below or call them on 0845 955 6575. m http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/ms4/09.htm m

So is the temporary limit legaly enforceable on these then?

Anonymous · November 6, 2003, 01:10

I don't believe so; certainly no more so than traditional matrix signs, which I think are just advisory (although provide more grounds for 'without due care' of course, should you be still doing 70+ when the signs say eg 40 (presumably for a good reason)).

The only matrix speedlimit signs I know of that are enforceable are the M25 ones - note that they are surrounded by a red circle, indicating a mandatory speed limit.

markiii · November 6, 2003, 01:13

and isn't that a laugh, you'd be lucky to hit those speeds as a maximum on the M25.

cheers Phil.

Anonymous · November 6, 2003, 01:13

Just found the relevant section within the highway code (although that of course is not the law, merely an interpretation/guide to it). The M25-style signs are specifically referred to thus;

Quote235. You MUST NOT exceed 70 mph, or the maximum speed limit permitted for your vehicle (see table). If a lower speed limit is in force, either permanently or temporarily, at roadworks for example, you MUST NOT exceed the lower limit.
On some motorways, mandatory motorway signals (which display the speed within a red ring) are used to vary the maximum speed limit to improve traffic flow. You MUST NOT exceed this speed limit. Law RTRA sects 17, 86, 89 & sch 6

Anonymous · November 6, 2003, 08:38

Posted from the ABD

m http://www.abd.org.uk/local/west_berkshire.htm m

No SPECS