The number plates of speeding drivers will be flashed up on new ‘smart signs’ in a bid to shame them into slowing down. The Highways Agency is trialling new Vehicle Activated Speed Indicator Devices on the A12 for seven weeks and hopes it will remind drivers to stick to the speed limit.
When fully operational, the system will flash up the number plate of any vehicles exceeding the speed limit as a visual reminder to drivers to slow down. The system includes a large trailer-mounted variable message sign and remote speed and Automatic Number Plate Recognition detection units.
These detection units are positioned over adjacent lanes of the A12 on a cantilever arm, mounted on top of a tall mast in the verge. Detection units will be positioned about 250 metres before the VMS, at the VMS and about 250 metres after the VMS.
Mark Pooley, Highways Agency project sponsor, said: ‘We are investigating whether the system has an effect on the behaviour of drivers. We will assess the vehicle speed data and look at what impact the messages had on drivers and how well the technology worked with live traffic. Existing vehicle activated systems used on the Highways Agency network only show the speed limit sign, but do not show the vehicle number plate.’
The agency said the data gathered will not be used for enforcement and the system does not record any personal data, therefore complying with the Data Protection Act.