HADECS Southbound M1 between J11 & J10
Discussion
Hi
Was travelling southbound with the variable limit signs showing 60. The hadecs here are covered in yellow reflective material so I noticed them and double checked my speed as I approached the gantry. Speedo showed 61/62 so I lifted off rather than braking. The camera still flashed which was unexpected. I'm not that concerned as I'm pretty sure the speedo over reads a little and (as far as I'm aware) speeding fines are usually issued at a higher margin than 1/2mph anyway.
However it did prompt me to wonder whether these hadecs are live yet, as previous threads seemed to suggest they were still at the testing phase. Also, does anyone know if they will enforce the NSL when no variable limit is in place as they do in some parts of Avon and Somerset (M4 J19/20)?
Was travelling southbound with the variable limit signs showing 60. The hadecs here are covered in yellow reflective material so I noticed them and double checked my speed as I approached the gantry. Speedo showed 61/62 so I lifted off rather than braking. The camera still flashed which was unexpected. I'm not that concerned as I'm pretty sure the speedo over reads a little and (as far as I'm aware) speeding fines are usually issued at a higher margin than 1/2mph anyway.
However it did prompt me to wonder whether these hadecs are live yet, as previous threads seemed to suggest they were still at the testing phase. Also, does anyone know if they will enforce the NSL when no variable limit is in place as they do in some parts of Avon and Somerset (M4 J19/20)?
I believe they are live now. I live local and it pops up on the local FB groups now about people getting done. Some discussion about it only being those cameras that have the reflective outer shell. They enforce the speed shown on the display for sure I saw one flash on the opposite side of the carriageway yesterday, when I went past I could not see the speed signs illuminated.
Are you sure you weren't in the roadworks, which are 50 despite what the overhead signs say?
I've been using this section every day and (based on experience of the M25 Northern Section) I wouldn't pass one of these cameras at more than the speed limit give or take.
The M25 ones were set to flash (but not ticket) at anything over 70 when first installed to let everyone know they are there. This was later raised. I assume they did the same with the M1 cameras.
Basically, make sure you're watching the speed signs, the gantries (above), the gantries (side), your speedo..... in fact anything but the road ahead.
I've been using this section every day and (based on experience of the M25 Northern Section) I wouldn't pass one of these cameras at more than the speed limit give or take.
The M25 ones were set to flash (but not ticket) at anything over 70 when first installed to let everyone know they are there. This was later raised. I assume they did the same with the M1 cameras.
Basically, make sure you're watching the speed signs, the gantries (above), the gantries (side), your speedo..... in fact anything but the road ahead.
I did check, was just out of the 50mph limit that starts at the services (between J12 and J11). It went national speed limit for a about half a mile and then dropped to 60mph just after J11 (L&D Hospital). That's why I was so surprised when it triggered - guess I'll have to wait and see. Do they still use the white lines on the road as verification in the event of an false trigger with HADECS 3, or does it work differently.
On a similar note, does anyone know what the 3 CCTV style cameras are that are sometimes deployed a few hundred meters before a gantry with HADECS 3 on it?
In terms of wondering why they would choose not to enforce the national speed limit while enforcing the lower (variable) speed limits, I believe the general idea of the smart and managed motorways is to smooth out traffic flow to avoid stop/start congestion and allow additional traffic to join easily at busy junctions. As such you need to enforce the relevant speed or it won't work. When there is no congestion and the variable limits are not in force, managing traffic flow is less of an issue. Also, historically cameras deployed as part of smart and managed motorways haven't enforced the speed limit. More recently this has changed in certain areas where they are being used all of the time. Potentially it won't be too long until vehicle speeds will be restricted automatically to achieve this IMHO.
On a similar note, does anyone know what the 3 CCTV style cameras are that are sometimes deployed a few hundred meters before a gantry with HADECS 3 on it?
In terms of wondering why they would choose not to enforce the national speed limit while enforcing the lower (variable) speed limits, I believe the general idea of the smart and managed motorways is to smooth out traffic flow to avoid stop/start congestion and allow additional traffic to join easily at busy junctions. As such you need to enforce the relevant speed or it won't work. When there is no congestion and the variable limits are not in force, managing traffic flow is less of an issue. Also, historically cameras deployed as part of smart and managed motorways haven't enforced the speed limit. More recently this has changed in certain areas where they are being used all of the time. Potentially it won't be too long until vehicle speeds will be restricted automatically to achieve this IMHO.
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