M25, Variable Limits

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walsh

Original Poster:

652 posts

159 months

Tuesday 30th September 2014
quotequote all
Hello,

I have always been under the impression that the speed camera's on the M25 don't trigger, unless there is a lower limit showing on the variable boards. I spend a lot of time (unfortunately) pottering around the M25, and I can't recall ever seeing one go off, Until Sunday.

Just after the Dartford tunnel, Cruising at 70 (ish), and the next Gantry shows a 50 limit, with a message showing "Pedestrians in road". Fair enough, Cruise off, Slow down the 50, Cruise on. A few others appear to follow suite, However most crack on at the speed they were traveling and a camera (next to the gantry, rather than on it) lit up like a machine gun. Must have been 15 cars traveling at 70ish. Cue lots of panic braking, etc. Next speed sign, back to national limit, I no pedestrians I could see.. But that's not the point.

Anyway, Questions are.

1) Is there a time period between the limit changing and when the camera's go off. I imagine they cant impose a 40 limit, then catch people from the second the signs change, or it would be carnage?

2) Have the camera's always worked, or have they changed it recently? I've not seen anyone get caught before, and people appear to sail through when if I have slowed, waiting for the limit to change back to national.

3) If they lower the limit for specific reason (As above), and you get caught, do they have to demonstrate there was a legitimate reason for the drop? The road was clear, and un-congested (for the M25 anyway.

I have always backed off, down the limit shown, rather than brake. As such, I have passed some of these well in excess of the posted limit, which I am starting to think might be very dim. For example, cruising speed ( lets be honest, 80ish), 50 limit comes up, So I will ease off, and move over. I have in the past passed these still doing 65-70ish I imagine, and could do without being caught 40% over the speed limit...

Cheers


walsh

Original Poster:

652 posts

159 months

Wednesday 1st October 2014
quotequote all
SS2. said:
walsh said:
1) Is there a time period between the limit changing and when the camera's go off.
10 seconds.

walsh said:
2) Have the camera's always worked, or have they changed it recently?
They've been capable of (and approved for) enforcing NSL for years. Whether or not they are used for such is a matter of local policy.

walsh said:
3) If they lower the limit for specific reason (As above), and you get caught, do they have to demonstrate there was a legitimate reason for the drop?
No.
Like it, thanks! 10 seconds it more than enough time to lose 20mph by backing off.