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)
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.
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