M42 Variable speed limit

[johnnywb]

Does anyone know if the cameras there are active? Was heading up North this weekend and just keeping pace with the traffic all around (3 busy lanes) with everyone doing between 50 and 70 and noticed the variable limit was on at 50mph. Just wondered if the cameras work as they must have picked up hundred of cars as people just keep pace with the cars in front.

[Deva Link]

The general consenus seems to be that they don't work.

[edwardsje]

Only some locations are picked up on GPS World dbase in any event, so mostly it's just lines on the road acting as a deterrent.

[havoc]

AIUI the cameras are active when the signs are lit (even if the signs show NSL marker), but inactive when the signs are blank.

Oh...and there are only GATSOs on about half of the gantries...I THINK all the gantries are paired across both carriageways, so in daylight you can tell by looking at the other carriageway...

[bluepolarbear]

havoc said:

AIUI the cameras are active when the signs are lit (even if the signs show NSL marker), but inactive when the signs are blank.

Oh...and there are only GATSOs on about half of the gantries...I THINK all the gantries are paired across both carriageways, so in daylight you can tell by looking at the other carriageway...

That's correct they are on the gantries south of J4, North of J5 and J6

[shuvitupya]

I have seen the M42 cameras flashing many times recently, so yes they do work.

If you subscribe to a GPS database, then you will know which gantries are active, and I think there are only 4 in each direction that are active.

The most active camera is between J3a and J4 on the downhill slope.

[eddy_hyde]

travel through there daily and never seen them active, or heard of anyone being fined, pretty sure i would have by now if they were. I believe it was because it was stilla pilot scheme, but now the trial is complete and allows it to be fully enforced.

But been reliably informed today they are going acive, all 276 of the buggers, so if anyone know 100% for sure that would be appreciated

[bluepolarbear]

they flashed today and on last wednesday when I went through. Both were on other carriageway at night. Signs showing 40 or 50 when outside land empty and both cars were easy 20/30mph over speed of surrounding cars.

My view is they work but have high tolerance certainly +10 is ok.

Edited by bluepolarbear on Monday 3rd December 20:11

[eddy_hyde]

Got my answer from [e-mail]

Thank you for your email. I can confirm that the enforcement cameras on the M42 junctions 3A - 7 are now active and Notices of Intended Prosecution are being issued by West Midlands Police.

Regards


Dave Cooke
Business & Information Manager
ATM & ITS Solutions Team
Highways Agency | 5 Broadway | Broad Street | Birmingham | B15 1BL

you have been warned

[cheeky_chops]

been using it daily for over a year (J5-7) and have recently seen them start flashing.

forgot to say, i think it is brilliant. Very rarely get stuck like i used to around the NEC and only once have i seen a possible issue with the hard shoulder lights not showing a broken down truck (TBF, it had only just stopped)

Edited by cheeky_chops on Monday 3rd December 23:06