M42 cameras in strange vans !

[shuvitupya]

Has anyone else noticed in last few weeks there has been vans parked on the M42 bridges (J3a-J5) virtually every day with fairly well hidden cameras in the passenger/drivers side. I noticed one this evening where the camera seemed to be on a small window mount and visible through an open window. I know these are not normal ANPR cameras as am familiar with the usual tripod over each lane devices. Some of the vans are signwritten but too small to read from the motorway. It's not always the same vehichle, so pretty sure it's not some amateur photographer or the press.

Are we being scammed between the normal gatso's or is it some long term traffic survey ?

[fluffnik]

Take off and nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

[speedchick]

Is it not something to do with the pilot scheme of using the hard shoulder when the motorway is busy? They are using the M42 as the pilot road for this scheme. I would assume if it is in relation to this, then its monitoring the road to get assistance pretty quick to anyone that breaks down in what is now a lane of traffic.