M42 Speed Scameras Installation

[ledfoot]

I have noticed on the M42 between J3a and J6 that some of the overhead gantry speed cameras have been installed, but presumably not yet working.

It was only in the middle lane I think the ones I could see. They look like ordinary Gatzo's, but are painted grey.

There is no need to panic as according to the HWA, the scameras are not for enforcing the 70MPH limit, but for when mandatory speed limits are in force, which is recognisable by the speed displayed in a red circle on the overhead gantries. So unless speed is in a red circle you have nothing to worry about.

[smeggy]

ledfoot said:

There is no need to panic as according to the HWA, the scameras are not for enforcing the 70MPH limit, but for when mandatory speed limits are in force, which is recognisable by the speed displayed in a red circle on the overhead gantries. So unless speed is in a red circle you have nothing to worry about.

I didn’t believe you until I saw it for myself. I really couldn’t believe the partnerships would pass up a chance to make much more money by turning off the camera when it’s safest to make decent progress. Worryingly, they can just turn that feature on at a click of a button!

This may help clarify things:

highways.gov.uk said:

ATM (Active Traffic Management) will be using the latest development in camera enforcement technology - the Highways Agency Digital Enforcement Camera System (HADECS). HADECS will only be used when there are mandatory variable speed limits indicated on the signs and signals along the Active Traffic Management stretch. This system will be used to ensure that drivers are complying with the speed restrictions. It is not intended to be used for enforcement under normal 70mph motorway running conditions.

www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/motorways/m42/atm_diversions/faq/

Prepare for a national rollout if this system proves itself to be successful (ignoring effects from RTTM and ‘bias on selection’ – of course)