M5 Variable Speed Camera's - when do they flash?
Discussion
Earlier this evening I was N-bound on the M5, no variable speed limit was displayed and I was happily doing an indicated 70 being wary of the speed cameras. On the approach to one of the gantries I was overtaken, and then as I went over the lines the camera flashed. The overtaking vehicle was already passed the lines, so my question is when does the camera flash? I always assumed it flashed twice while the speeding vehicle is on the lines, but this seems to suggest it doesn't actually use the lines and only flashes after the vehicle is past them to capture the number plate?
Or can I expect a NIP in the post in a few days...?
(edit: I accidentally an apostrophe)
Or can I expect a NIP in the post in a few days...?
(edit: I accidentally an apostrophe)
In addition to previous posts...
There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
They will go off when set to NSL / no speed limit shown... though there is some tolerance. In the absence of any marked restrictions I wouldn't personally do more than an indicated 80 under those gantries, which is 76-77 in my car. I suspect only a few gantries are equipped with cameras.
I am under the impression that they haven't been working over the past 4-5 months until a few weeks ago when I started seeing the flashes a lot more frequently. Seems a bit strange but I travel on that stretch of M5 5 days a week and months passed without a flash and then over the past two weeks i've seen a flash every 2-3 days, mostly from the northbound ones just before the A38 Aztec West junction where the limit normally drops to 40 in the mornings.
BristolRich said:
In addition to previous posts...
There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
Interesting, thanks! Sounds like it could have been a hadecs camera, or perhaps just a "warning" flash to the other driver.There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
As others have said, definitely seems like the cameras are being used more now, I'd never seen a flash along the M5 before, but this was the second time in the last week I've seen it - rumours also flying that A&S constabulary are no longer observing the 10%+2 guidance, perhaps a FOI request could clear up that particular piece of hearsay. Anyway, I'll keep an eye on the mail just in case (because I'm a paranoid sort) but in the unlikely case something does come I'll definitely be contesting.
giltranator said:
I am under the impression that they haven't been working over the past 4-5 months until a few weeks ago when I started seeing the flashes a lot more frequently. Seems a bit strange but I travel on that stretch of M5 5 days a week and months passed without a flash and then over the past two weeks i've seen a flash every 2-3 days, mostly from the northbound ones just before the A38 Aztec West junction where the limit normally drops to 40 in the mornings.
Funnily enough I saw one flash today on the northbound side approaching Aztec as I was heading south. Traffic was light and the car was certainly motoring.EasyMalt said:
BristolRich said:
In addition to previous posts...
There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
Interesting, thanks! Sounds like it could have been a hadecs camera, or perhaps just a "warning" flash to the other driver.There are two systems in operation at the moment on the M5 at Almondsbury...GATSO which are mounted on gantries above each of the lanes, and HADECS which are mounted on the left hand side of some of the gantries (as you approach them).
The GATSOs are as other speed cameras of this type rely on either radar, induction loop or combination of both. Typically these flash once as a "test", twice as you pass through the camera above the set limit. I have seen the cameras "erroniously flash" with single flashes - myself included.
The HADECS system is different. Sensors are mounted on top of a tee shaped post on the motorway verge some distance ahead of the gantry mounted camera. As you pass the sensor this will detect over threashold and "snap" you as you go past the gantry mounted camera. If for example you exceed the posted limits between the gantries, it would take a pic. No idea how many times these flash, however the location of the flash would be an idicator as the flash units are mounted over your left shoulder as you pass.
As others have said, definitely seems like the cameras are being used more now, I'd never seen a flash along the M5 before, but this was the second time in the last week I've seen it - rumours also flying that A&S constabulary are no longer observing the 10%+2 guidance, perhaps a FOI request could clear up that particular piece of hearsay. Anyway, I'll keep an eye on the mail just in case (because I'm a paranoid sort) but in the unlikely case something does come I'll definitely be contesting.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
IIRC there is one set each way M5 - NB/SB, M4 - EB/WB. All sets are mounted to gantries with overhead GATSO style cameras.
Most annoying thing I've noticed is the amount of morons that seem to believe the 60 MPH is permanently in force
I regularly travel through the camera zones outside of standard rush hour (0530 - 0630 and 1530 to 1600) yet with no restriction signs showing there are still countless idiots travelling in the middle/outside lanes doing 55-60
I may just need an anger management course but when I'm trying to get home and I'm surrounded by these people I find it a massive urine steamer!
I have actively avoided undertaking throughout my driving years, but this has lead me to even resort to that
I regularly travel through the camera zones outside of standard rush hour (0530 - 0630 and 1530 to 1600) yet with no restriction signs showing there are still countless idiots travelling in the middle/outside lanes doing 55-60
I may just need an anger management course but when I'm trying to get home and I'm surrounded by these people I find it a massive urine steamer!
I have actively avoided undertaking throughout my driving years, but this has lead me to even resort to that
AngryApples said:
I have actively avoided undertaking throughout my driving years, but this has lead me to even resort to that
Yup - the number of times I have gone through that area on an open and empty hard shoulder lane at the posted limit and overtaken loads of people to my right....Thanks for the info about HADECS - I had spotted the camera system and wondered what it was.
I was driving my Hgv lorry last week going down the M5 southbound early in the morning no speed was being displayed on the gantry above , I was doing 56mph and the camera flashed me, and later on coming back up on the M5 northbound same section gantry above was displaying 60mph and I passed at 56mph and it never flashed?? So iam wondering how it flashed in the first place , if I get a ticket for speeding surely I can appeal this as no speed was being displayed ?
Raebs said:
I was driving my Hgv lorry last week going down the M5 southbound early in the morning no speed was being displayed on the gantry above , I was doing 56mph and the camera flashed me, and later on coming back up on the M5 northbound same section gantry above was displaying 60mph and I passed at 56mph and it never flashed?? So iam wondering how it flashed in the first place , if I get a ticket for speeding surely I can appeal this as no speed was being displayed ?
Its your word against them & you will have no proof if a conventional camera I don't know the road but if its Hadex then they have another camera before the Gantry that records the Gantry to show whats displayed & you have a small period of grace after the limit lowers, but I don't think Hadex flash,
An explanation here https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/hadecs-3.htm
On the site it says they are here in Somerset https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/database/SWS/sws079...
Edited by Stuart J on Monday 20th November 15:03
Stuart J said:
Raebs said:
I was driving my Hgv lorry last week going down the M5 southbound early in the morning no speed was being displayed on the gantry above , I was doing 56mph and the camera flashed me, and later on coming back up on the M5 northbound same section gantry above was displaying 60mph and I passed at 56mph and it never flashed?? So iam wondering how it flashed in the first place , if I get a ticket for speeding surely I can appeal this as no speed was being displayed ?
Its your word against them & you will have no proof if a conventional camera I don't know the road but if its Hadex then they have another camera before the Gantry that records the Gantry to show whats displayed & you have a small period of grace after the limit lowers, but I don't think Hadex flash,
An explanation here https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/hadecs-3.htm
On the site it says they are here in Somerset https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/database/SWS/sws079...
Edited by Stuart J on Monday 20th November 15:03
Edited by markymarkthree on Thursday 23 November 13:45
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