Cameras on M6/M42/M5

[Marshy]

I've noticed some new cameras on bridges over the M6 and M42, and possibly the M5 too.

They're like a standard security camera in a white box, with a black blob next to it, one per lane. They don't seem to be deployed more than one set at a time, so I don't think they're SPECS.

Anyone know which ones these are?

[Marv]

Funny that marshy! Ive been on a trip down south and I noticed these cams aroound J12 of the M6. North and southbound. One over each lane. TBH im a little paranoid about these things so I had closer look.

The cams look the same as a standard security camera but ihave no idea what is inside. The have a unit mounted next to them which is likely to be IR or could even be radar (although the detector didnt go off). They seem to be angled to look at number plates.

Im assuming they arnt speed enforcing but a proberbly some sort of trial of more Tax disc systems or something similar.

Anyone else have any clues?

[HarryW]

I hope they're not numberplate scanners as another set rigged up further down on the next bridge (or two) it will be able to work out your average speed..and then....... 3 more points!

I believe a similar thing is in place between the toll booths in France..

[Marshy]

Harry, that's what SPECS already does in a select few areas of this country.

[PetrolTed]

quote:I believe a similar thing is in place between the toll booths in France..

Urban myth me thinks. Still waiting to hear from the person who actually got done like this (rather than I know a bloke down the pub...)

[HarryW]

Obviously shot down on both counts!
S..P..E..C..S.. please fill in the gaps for the ignorant one (moi)!
I rather like urban myths particularly the soggy head on the roof of the car and the toll booth one, used it for fag break's quite a few times travelling across France when the kids were younger and noisier than they are now

[PetrolTed]

Harry, see www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk for details of the SPECS system (can't recall what it stands for).

[HarryW]

Cheers for the link Ted speedy response or what!

[HarryW]

I got clocked by a trial numberplate recognition system on the M11 back in June, received a letter the next week asking whether I was the owner of XXX reg vehicle travelling at such a time Northbound on the M11. 'If it was your vehicle could you please fill in this form and return it in the prepaid envelope, as this will help us with the development of our automated Registration recognition system. If not please disregard'

Well what’s a man supposed to do with such a thing, helping them develop 'big bro', file under B for bin, thats what.

[hertsbiker]

think they are video surveillance cameras, as video is going to be a legal means of catching motorists soon. Remembers kiddies, don't vote Bliar next time! actually, who does it leave? ummm. We're doomed lads !

[bennno]

Ted is right re France, it is an urban myth - some of our family live out there.

What happens is the sneaky sods hide on a bridge or behind a sign with a radar gun, then they radio ahead to the next toll booth. When you arrive at the toll both, hey presto Gendarmes ahoy.

Got to admit its a stupid system really, if they had any sense they would simply incorporate the time in to the bar code data for the motorway joining point, then hey presto, you speed - you get caught. There would be no point.

At least they are sporting, i am still waiting to get pulled everytime i go to France for the 260kmh 'flash' i got in the Cerby chasing a Viper GTSR on the way to Le Mans last June.

Ben

[Marv]

I very much doubt they are speed cameras (yet!) but a quick search pulled up what appears to be an answer...


This came from the Highways agency site. www.highways.gov.uk/info/techinf/randd/compen/3a.htm

quote:Monitoring journey time reliability
Start 10/98, End 1/01, Project value £ 171k, Ref 3/243
Project Contractor: Transport Research Laboratory
HA Project Sponsor: D Pearce

Scope: The objects of this project are to investigate journey time reliability, to provide data for HETA’s travel time variability project and to compare journey time data with that simulated from MIDAS data

Status: Journey time data for the M60 has been collected using Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) System and the data has been given to HETA and the Greater Manchester Traffic Unit.

ANPR cameras are currently being installed on the M6, M5, M40/M42 near Birmingham to collect journey time information.

[Marshy]

Marv,

Well done, top marks.

Of course, these things could still be used to figure out how absurdly quickly one can make the M42 between M6 and M5 disappear...

[Manf]

The Stingray car tax checking system is active in those areas - maybe them?

[hertsbiker]

hi all,
I haven't been round the M25 for a coupla months. Jesus !! when did all these f**king gantries spring from? My geodesy was going mad !