New Cameras for the M5 - non-flashing/no warning signs yet!
Discussion
A police mate of mine has just told me this
"In case you didn't know?.
The new yellow cameras being installed between J29 and J31 on the M5
are not traffic cameras but are SPEC average speed cameras. The first and subsequent cameras read your number plate and if you arrive at the next camera too quickly it is £60 and 3 points. They do not use film, and you will not see a flash. Prosecutions are electronically produced. There are 4 sets of cameras currently installed in each direction. Although SPECs are used elsewhere in the country these I believe are the first set to be installed in this region and are likely to catch a lot of drivers. I do not know when they will be switched on (they might be already although there are no warning signs up yet but although warning signs are in the Home Office guidelines their absence will not constitute a defence). The cameras are installed between M5 J29 Exeter (Honiton Road) and M5 J31 (A30 Interchange)."
"In case you didn't know?.
The new yellow cameras being installed between J29 and J31 on the M5
are not traffic cameras but are SPEC average speed cameras. The first and subsequent cameras read your number plate and if you arrive at the next camera too quickly it is £60 and 3 points. They do not use film, and you will not see a flash. Prosecutions are electronically produced. There are 4 sets of cameras currently installed in each direction. Although SPECs are used elsewhere in the country these I believe are the first set to be installed in this region and are likely to catch a lot of drivers. I do not know when they will be switched on (they might be already although there are no warning signs up yet but although warning signs are in the Home Office guidelines their absence will not constitute a defence). The cameras are installed between M5 J29 Exeter (Honiton Road) and M5 J31 (A30 Interchange)."
Looks like the cameras are temporary for the next few months:
NEW SPEED CAMERAS ON M5 GET MIXED REACTION FROM MOTORISTS IN CITY
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11:40 - 03 January 2007
Motorists have mixed views of state-of-the-art speed cameras placed on the M5 on the edge of Exeter.Some quizzed by the Express & Echo about the Speed Enforcement Camera System at junctions 29 and 30 of the motorway thought it was a useful tool.
But others were concerned about the automatic number plate recognition system it uses.
SPEC systems can use infra-red technology and cameras to read every passing number plate, regardless of whether the vehicle is speeding.
Similar mobile units have been used to track cars for other reasons, such as out-of-date car tax or lack of insurance.
Tim Kirk, 20, a telecommunications engineer from Aylesbeare, questioned whether the cameras were there to save lives.
He said: "I think average speed cameras are just there to raise revenue and I do not agree with them."
Ryan Leaman, 18, a security guard from Dawlish, also had mixed feelings about them.
"They are mostly for safety but I think they should only be using it for people who are speeding," he said.
"If some people who are just going along think they are getting tracked while they are driving then they will be driving like a nervous wreck."
But Claire Ross, 45, a meteorologist from Seaton, does not have any objections to the new cameras.
She said: "If you are speeding then you are breaking the law, so it is a fair cop.
"Actually, I think the ones that flash as you come towards them are the most effective as you never quite know where they are." Derek Tanner, 66, from Honiton, is an experienced motorist and gave the cameras the thumbs up.
"I am all for speed cameras. I hope it slows the traffic down as it needs to be slower," he said.
The SPECS system has been installed on a temporary basis to monitor the stretch of roadway between the two junctions while work is carried out on the central reservation.
Until the Highways Agency project to improve safety barriers and lighting is completed by April, a 50mph limit will be imposed.
The cameras will be switched on to coincide with the start of work some time this month.
Anyone caught on camera breaking the limit can expect a £60 fine and three points on their licence.
www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137199&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136986&contentPK=16319457&folderPk=79934&pNodeId=137002
NEW SPEED CAMERAS ON M5 GET MIXED REACTION FROM MOTORISTS IN CITY
Next Story | Previous Story | Back to list
Be the first reader to comment on this story
11:40 - 03 January 2007
Motorists have mixed views of state-of-the-art speed cameras placed on the M5 on the edge of Exeter.Some quizzed by the Express & Echo about the Speed Enforcement Camera System at junctions 29 and 30 of the motorway thought it was a useful tool.
But others were concerned about the automatic number plate recognition system it uses.
SPEC systems can use infra-red technology and cameras to read every passing number plate, regardless of whether the vehicle is speeding.
Similar mobile units have been used to track cars for other reasons, such as out-of-date car tax or lack of insurance.
Tim Kirk, 20, a telecommunications engineer from Aylesbeare, questioned whether the cameras were there to save lives.
He said: "I think average speed cameras are just there to raise revenue and I do not agree with them."
Ryan Leaman, 18, a security guard from Dawlish, also had mixed feelings about them.
"They are mostly for safety but I think they should only be using it for people who are speeding," he said.
"If some people who are just going along think they are getting tracked while they are driving then they will be driving like a nervous wreck."
But Claire Ross, 45, a meteorologist from Seaton, does not have any objections to the new cameras.
She said: "If you are speeding then you are breaking the law, so it is a fair cop.
"Actually, I think the ones that flash as you come towards them are the most effective as you never quite know where they are." Derek Tanner, 66, from Honiton, is an experienced motorist and gave the cameras the thumbs up.
"I am all for speed cameras. I hope it slows the traffic down as it needs to be slower," he said.
The SPECS system has been installed on a temporary basis to monitor the stretch of roadway between the two junctions while work is carried out on the central reservation.
Until the Highways Agency project to improve safety barriers and lighting is completed by April, a 50mph limit will be imposed.
The cameras will be switched on to coincide with the start of work some time this month.
Anyone caught on camera breaking the limit can expect a £60 fine and three points on their licence.
www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137199&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136986&contentPK=16319457&folderPk=79934&pNodeId=137002
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