Speeding through average speed camera zones - What gives?

[sicasey]

Tonight on the M1, 50 MPH average speed camera section, cruise control set to 52 MPH and numerous drivers pass me at up to 70 MPH.

This isn't the first time I've witnessed this malarkey but I really need to know, what do they know that I don't?

[sicasey]

It blows my mind to think that there are drivers out there that either simply don't care about the prospect of getting a fine or even more worryingly just don't understand what the restricted average speed section is all about.

Or more intriguingly, do they really know something that most other drivers don't?

[sicasey]

So basically; all of the drivers you see driving at, for example 70 in the average 50 zone, are getting fines/points?

[sicasey]

ToothbrushMan said:

i see this most times and couldnt give a fig. i just laugh on the inside that at some point these dippers will receive a fine and maybe some points.

i seem to spot a lot of young asian females in quite new motors giving itf the beans through these sections......not a care in the world.

just think to yourself....sod em.

its the black audi a4 estates that piss me off-their drivers "and powerfully built friend" riding shotgun doing 52mph almost pretending to be the traffic cops. could just be my lively imagination playing tricks though.

Yeah don't get me wrong it does make me laugh to think that the majority will be receiving fines/points but the regularity of this has me convinced that there is a 'secret', possibly local knowledge, that gives these drivers the freedom to do 20 MPH above the monitored limit.

Stupidity etc is more than likely the reality.

[sicasey]

jogger1976 said:

I'm seeing this more and more, particularly on the M1 near the Woodside Link works.

Funnily enough on that stretch it's not the usual Audi/BMW repmobiles that are the culprits, but loads of filthy work vans full of angry builders or "Considerably richer than you" types in new Range Rovers

^This

[sicasey]

Are there any traffic police on PH that can solve the mystery?

[sicasey]

EazyDuz said:

Why would it matter if you change lanes? An average of 65 is an average of 65 whether you moved lanes every 3 seconds or not. Probably more likely that 90% of av speed cameras aren't actually on

They have the potential to generate huge revenues and are now digital (negating a lot of the manual admin etc), why would 90% of cameras not be enabled?

[sicasey]

Timbola said:

because areas where roadworks are undertaken are dangerous, hazards are more likely, generally with narrower lanes, and workmen may be present.

No sign of man nor shovel on the M1 last night for many miles.

[sicasey]

Roger Irrelevant said:

but their lack of understanding of how an average works lets them down.

If a person has no understanding of what an average (average of anything) means, should they really be issued with a driving licence?

[sicasey]

So why do modern speedometers err on the side of caution?

Is this the same for Merc / Audi style digital screen readouts?

Shirley they should be bang on accurate.

[sicasey]

KTF said:

Calibration costs money.

That cant't be the reason.

[sicasey]

xRIEx said:

I don't think they are average speed cameras; the boxes behind the signs look remarkably like gatsos.

Are they infarct only enabled when the reduced speed is illuminated?

[sicasey]

xRIEx said:

I've heard claims that they will trigger at 90 even when not illuminated - I've not tested that myself, but I have been travelling at, ahem, something over 70mph and had people passing me under the gantries and still no flash; I would estimate that 85 on the clock (depending on car) wouldn't trigger anything, even if they are active in those situations.

I love all of these urban myths, proper pub talk