M25 and M42 cameras

[theboyfold]

Are the cameras on the M25 and M42 active when the variable speed limits aren't in force?

It seems that they are very keen to set the limit to 60 round the M25 when there is very little traffic on the road? Is this just so they can activate the cameras? Are they set by measuring the traffic flow or by people monitoring the traffic conditions in a control room somewhere?

Also, are there any plans to put cameras in the new section of the M25 between the M4 and M3 sections? At the moment it looks like the gantrys have space for a camera but no cameras in them...

[BO55 VXR]

This was asked a while back and IIRC the M25 cameras are not active when VSL is OFF. The exception is Warp speed drivers (100+)

Edited by BO55 VXR on Sunday 25th February 11:23

[djohnson]

I've done the M42 twice today. Most people seem to assume thye are always active. That's certainly what I do.

[Philbes]

Last Friday I drove on the M42 for the first time since the variable speed limits have been in force. For the whole of the controlled length signs were showing "Congestion - use the hard shoulder" and all variable speed limit signs were showning 50. There were very few cars using the hard shoulder and the third lane was almost entirely unused - all the traffic was in lanes 1 & 2 travelling at exactly 50mph. Many vehicles were far too close to the vehicle in front. Congestion - what congestion? So my journey took longer than necessary because of an entirely unnecessarily imposed 50 limit. And this is progress? Is this system just a way to reduce speeds to below the national motorway speed limit and increase journey times? Will it spread to other motorways?

[arfur]

Philbes said:

Last Friday I drove on the M42 for the first time since the variable speed limits have been in force. For the whole of the controlled length signs were showing "Congestion - use the hard shoulder" and all variable speed limit signs were showning 50. There were very few cars using the hard shoulder and the third lane was almost entirely unused - all the traffic was in lanes 1 & 2 travelling at exactly 50mph. Many vehicles were far too close to the vehicle in front. Congestion - what congestion? So my journey took longer than necessary because of an entirely unnecessarily imposed 50 limit. And this is progress? Is this system just a way to reduce speeds to below the national motorway speed limit and increase journey times? Will it spread to other motorways?

This is normal ... they are often on at 0600 in the morning ... more likely to nod off trying to get the the m6 toll !