Average Speed Detection : M4 Bath

[deeps]

Last week all the Gatso's were removed from the temporary road works on the M4 near bristol.

Driving West bound today though, just past the Bath junction there are new cones and narrowed lanes. Every few hundred metres there is a camera sign with the message "average speed detection".

I've never seen them before anywhere. I couldn't see any camera's on the bridges or anywhere else. Does anyone know if these signs mean 'Specs' is operating? If so they'll catch thousands as they were all going over the limit.

[shuvitupya]

The average speed sign does mean that SPECS is in operation.

There is normally a temporary overhead gantry or mast, with about 2 or 3 cameras fitted, one over each lane, at the beginning and end of the average speed measured section.

[angrys3owner]

They are normally like normal CCTV cameras but with sensors on each side and bright yellow... don't mess with average speed camera signs, I've never seen them where there have not been specs cameras!

[TripleS]

I know what normal SPECS type camera installations look like, and one would not normally fail to see them overhanging the road on their cantilevered supports.

Caution though - is there a new more compact and more concealed version now being deployed?

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[Mr E]

Hope they weren't there last monday night.....

[deeps]

Mr E said:

Hope they weren't there last monday night.....

No. The signs weren't there on Tues, but were on weds. Absolutely no work happening though, not even any machinery of any description, just miles of cones!

[fidgits]

SPECS look like this:

[deeps]

TripleS said:

I know what normal SPECS type camera installations look like, and one would not normally fail to see them overhanging the road on their cantilevered supports.

Caution though - is there a new more compact and more concealed version now being deployed?

Best wishes all,
Dave.

I had a good look this afternoon on the way through, but could see no sign of any camera's at all.

My mistake, the signs don't say average speed detection, they actually say "average speed check" and there is a picture of a camera on each sign.

It looks like a bluff to me, unless they have a new concealed version as you say.

The funny thing is, the speed limit is 50 and virtually no vehicles are sticking to it. Perhaps other drivers aren't aware what SPECS are, whether they're actually there or not it's too risky to assume they're not.

[Plotloss]

The incidence of fake/inactive SPECS installations is on the rise apparently.

They arent always switched on...

[dazren]

Plotloss said:

The incidence of fake/inactive SPECS installations is on the rise apparently.

They arent always switched on...

Quite, the economy couldn't cope with 80% of reps and van drivers losing their licenses.

DAZ

[TripleS]

Well if it's only roadworks situations we're talking about I would think it's no hardship to play safe and stick to the limit.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[8Pack]

MMmmmmh! Well I was listening to the "Parliament channel" (I know, I know!) some time ago when the the 3 witches of Brake. T2000 and er, um ......? were present in committee and the "Mad Badger" said that "averaging camera systems" were the future.........(he's seen it y'know)..

My route now is: the shortest to the ferry port......I'll spend my money there instead...

[ashes]

I am sure the Stocksbridge bypass specs are off - never heard of a conviction and I am sure they would be trumpeting the number otherwise...

Cameras didn't prevent another nasty on Wednesday - road needs to be dualled or a big barrier on the three lane bits. Crap bit of road design

[TripleS]

ashes said:

I am sure the Stocksbridge bypass specs are off - never heard of a conviction and I am sure they would be trumpeting the number otherwise...

Cameras didn't prevent another nasty on Wednesday - road needs to be dualled or a big barrier on the three lane bits. Crap bit of road design

IIRC Streetcop (long ago) claimed that since the installation of SPECS there had been a marked reduction in the incidence of crashes along there. Sorry to hear about this latest shunt though, I used to live near there. I travelled that road only a week or two ago, and I don't see what's causing all the trouble.

Best wishes all,
Dave.