New Specs cameras on the M4 :(
16 October 2003, 03:51 PM
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Not sure if this is already a widely known fact but.....
> The SPECS -speed enforcement system is now live on the M4 between
> Junction 12 - Theale, and J14 Hungerford, just east of Membury Service
> station.
>
> It was switched on officially, by a transport minister, for a '6-month
> trial period' on Tues 7 October 2003.
>
> It is likely to be set at 78mph real road speed! No human intervention
> is required in issuing speeding tickets, so very large numbers can be
> issued automatically.
>
>
> PS. The cameras are mounted on the overhead information signs, (pairs
> of tiny cameras). They DO NOT FLASH, so you won't know you are likely
> to 'cop'a ticket at the time.
>
> Info from the internet follows.
> SPECS -speed enforcement system
> The digital speed camera developed by Speed Check Services Ltd (SPECS)
> obtained Home Office type approval in 2000. The camera is a major
> technological development over previous speed cameras and has proved
> successful in improving road safety and reducing casualties. SPECS
> cameras work in pairs and calculate the average speed of a car over a
> length that can be between 250m and 10km.
>
> What is SPECS?
> It is the only approved automatic digital speed enforcement using
> average speed measurement in the UK. The system is deterrent based
> with the ultimate deterrent being enforcement.
>
> Is there any similar technology currently in operation?
> No. SPECS is a unique product. Although conventional automatic speed
> enforcement systems are in operation, none currently can enforce
> speeds over a distance - except SPECS.
>
> How does it work?
> SPECS works using automatic average speed digital technology. A pair
> of cameras creates a speed controlled zone and groups of cameras can
> be linked to create a speed controlled network. As vehicles pass
> between the cameras pairs they are digitally recorded. The time it
> takes for the vehicle to
> travel between both points is used to calculate the average speed.
>
> If the vehicle speed is above a speed threshold, a speeding violation
> record is automatically generated. This includes images of the
> registration plate, a colour image of the vehicle and text data
> including the time, date,
> location and average speed travelling between both locations.
>
> Violation records are stored on large storage capacity discs. This
> system functions 24 hours a day and can be interfaced with existing
> ticket processing systems.
>
> How will motorists know what to look out for?
> Motorists will need to look out for cameras erected on tall blue-
> coloured distinctive columns in the verge and central reservation. The
> cameras do not flash and all the data is digitally stored so that
> there is no need for
> film. Speed Camera Signs will be erected explaining to motorists that
> speed enforcement will be taking place.
>
> What is SPECS and SVDD?
> SPECS is the brand name for the system.
> This stands for SPEed Check enforcement System.
> SVDD stands for Speed Violation Detection Deterrent. It is the name
> given to the unique technology the SPECS system is based upon which
> has gained Home
> Office Type Approval (HOTA).
> What is Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) testing and why is it
> significant?
> Home Office Approval testing is in place to ensure that equipment meets
> the
> highest standards and any information provided from HOTA approved
> equipment
> can be considered as providing admissible evidence in UK courts.
> ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) approved of the system and
> supported its application for Home Office Type Approval. Two Police
> Forces,
> Kent and Leicestershire, championed the trials testing on the M1 and
> M20
> Roadworks.
> The PSDB (Police Scientific and Development Branch of the Home Office)
> undertook scientific evaluation as a necessary part of the HOTA
> process.
> This evaluation included test track trials at an independent test site.
> The
> evaluation was successful and verified the SVDD technology used in
> SPECS
> as
> 100% accurate.
> HOTA is significant because it empowers UK Police Forces to use the
> SPECS
> technology to bring charges against speeding offenders, confident in
> the
> knowledge that they can present irrefutable supporting evidence.
> In addition, UK Home Office Type Approved products are regarded
> internationally as meeting external high standards of quality and
> integrity.
> THE INFO BELOW IS HISTORIC< AND IS NOT GUARANTEED UP TO DATE, OR
> CURRENT.
> Where is the system in operation?
> Permanent SPECS systems are now operating in Nottingham, Northampton
> and
> Gloucester:
> A616 Stocksbridge Bypass in South Yorkshire
> Nottingham Phase 1 - A610 & Ring Road
> Nottingham Phase 2 - Extension of Nuttall Rd A610
> Nottingham Phase 3 - Extension of Western Boulevard South, Ring Rd
> Nottingham Phase 4 - Extension of Western Boulevard North, Ring Rd
> A43 Lumbertubs Way, Northampton
> Linden & Podsmead, Gloucester - Residential area
> Temporary roadworks throughout the country currently using the SPECS
> system
> include.
> M62 J7 -9 Roadworks, Warrington
> M6 Thelwall Viaduct, Cheshire
> M62 J7 - 9 Roadworks, Cheshire
> M6 J6 Spagetti Junction Roadworks, Birmingham
> More sites to follow in the next few months.
> Is the data legally enforceable?
> The HOTA enables the SPECS violation records to be presented as
> admissible
> evidence in UK courts.
> Apart from its use as a speeding deterrent, are there any other
> benefits?
> Yes. There are many other longer term benefits which will be possible
> once
> the SPECS systems are installed including increasing road safety and
> decreasing speed profiles, more accurate journey time information and
> other
> performance data and speed management benefits.
> The SPECS -speed enforcement system is now live on the M4 between
> Junction 12 - Theale, and J14 Hungerford, just east of Membury Service
> station.
>
> It was switched on officially, by a transport minister, for a '6-month
> trial period' on Tues 7 October 2003.
>
> It is likely to be set at 78mph real road speed! No human intervention
> is required in issuing speeding tickets, so very large numbers can be
> issued automatically.
>
>
> PS. The cameras are mounted on the overhead information signs, (pairs
> of tiny cameras). They DO NOT FLASH, so you won't know you are likely
> to 'cop'a ticket at the time.
>
> Info from the internet follows.
> SPECS -speed enforcement system
> The digital speed camera developed by Speed Check Services Ltd (SPECS)
> obtained Home Office type approval in 2000. The camera is a major
> technological development over previous speed cameras and has proved
> successful in improving road safety and reducing casualties. SPECS
> cameras work in pairs and calculate the average speed of a car over a
> length that can be between 250m and 10km.
>
> What is SPECS?
> It is the only approved automatic digital speed enforcement using
> average speed measurement in the UK. The system is deterrent based
> with the ultimate deterrent being enforcement.
>
> Is there any similar technology currently in operation?
> No. SPECS is a unique product. Although conventional automatic speed
> enforcement systems are in operation, none currently can enforce
> speeds over a distance - except SPECS.
>
> How does it work?
> SPECS works using automatic average speed digital technology. A pair
> of cameras creates a speed controlled zone and groups of cameras can
> be linked to create a speed controlled network. As vehicles pass
> between the cameras pairs they are digitally recorded. The time it
> takes for the vehicle to
> travel between both points is used to calculate the average speed.
>
> If the vehicle speed is above a speed threshold, a speeding violation
> record is automatically generated. This includes images of the
> registration plate, a colour image of the vehicle and text data
> including the time, date,
> location and average speed travelling between both locations.
>
> Violation records are stored on large storage capacity discs. This
> system functions 24 hours a day and can be interfaced with existing
> ticket processing systems.
>
> How will motorists know what to look out for?
> Motorists will need to look out for cameras erected on tall blue-
> coloured distinctive columns in the verge and central reservation. The
> cameras do not flash and all the data is digitally stored so that
> there is no need for
> film. Speed Camera Signs will be erected explaining to motorists that
> speed enforcement will be taking place.
>
> What is SPECS and SVDD?
> SPECS is the brand name for the system.
> This stands for SPEed Check enforcement System.
> SVDD stands for Speed Violation Detection Deterrent. It is the name
> given to the unique technology the SPECS system is based upon which
> has gained Home
> Office Type Approval (HOTA).
> What is Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) testing and why is it
> significant?
> Home Office Approval testing is in place to ensure that equipment meets
> the
> highest standards and any information provided from HOTA approved
> equipment
> can be considered as providing admissible evidence in UK courts.
> ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) approved of the system and
> supported its application for Home Office Type Approval. Two Police
> Forces,
> Kent and Leicestershire, championed the trials testing on the M1 and
> M20
> Roadworks.
> The PSDB (Police Scientific and Development Branch of the Home Office)
> undertook scientific evaluation as a necessary part of the HOTA
> process.
> This evaluation included test track trials at an independent test site.
> The
> evaluation was successful and verified the SVDD technology used in
> SPECS
> as
> 100% accurate.
> HOTA is significant because it empowers UK Police Forces to use the
> SPECS
> technology to bring charges against speeding offenders, confident in
> the
> knowledge that they can present irrefutable supporting evidence.
> In addition, UK Home Office Type Approved products are regarded
> internationally as meeting external high standards of quality and
> integrity.
> THE INFO BELOW IS HISTORIC< AND IS NOT GUARANTEED UP TO DATE, OR
> CURRENT.
> Where is the system in operation?
> Permanent SPECS systems are now operating in Nottingham, Northampton
> and
> Gloucester:
> A616 Stocksbridge Bypass in South Yorkshire
> Nottingham Phase 1 - A610 & Ring Road
> Nottingham Phase 2 - Extension of Nuttall Rd A610
> Nottingham Phase 3 - Extension of Western Boulevard South, Ring Rd
> Nottingham Phase 4 - Extension of Western Boulevard North, Ring Rd
> A43 Lumbertubs Way, Northampton
> Linden & Podsmead, Gloucester - Residential area
> Temporary roadworks throughout the country currently using the SPECS
> system
> include.
> M62 J7 -9 Roadworks, Warrington
> M6 Thelwall Viaduct, Cheshire
> M62 J7 - 9 Roadworks, Cheshire
> M6 J6 Spagetti Junction Roadworks, Birmingham
> More sites to follow in the next few months.
> Is the data legally enforceable?
> The HOTA enables the SPECS violation records to be presented as
> admissible
> evidence in UK courts.
> Apart from its use as a speeding deterrent, are there any other
> benefits?
> Yes. There are many other longer term benefits which will be possible
> once
> the SPECS systems are installed including increasing road safety and
> decreasing speed profiles, more accurate journey time information and
> other
> performance data and speed management benefits.
16 October 2003, 04:08 PM
#2
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SIAL again I think.
Seen this dozens of times over about the last year. if it was true and set at 78mph I would not hold a UK driving licence now as it would been taken from me.
Chip.
Seen this dozens of times over about the last year. if it was true and set at 78mph I would not hold a UK driving licence now as it would been taken from me.
Chip.
16 October 2003, 04:09 PM
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I don't often use that section of the M4. Are you referring to this? Or, is this an entirely separate system to the SPECS system described above? The only reason I mention it is that there's a section on this page which claims "...The cameras will not be used for speed enforcement....". Do we believe them? 
[Edited by Fatman - 10/16/2003 4:09:51 PM]
[Edited by Fatman - 10/16/2003 4:09:51 PM]
16 October 2003, 04:15 PM
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hmm very interesting.... some confusion may have been had here.... going back to the source of the inof I posted and questioning where the info came from....
I have seen the signs you're talking about... and they look like a good idea
P.
I have seen the signs you're talking about... and they look like a good idea
P.
16 October 2003, 04:28 PM
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They are indeed the signs used in the above link. I have a friend who worked on the project, and they are not designed for trapping speeding motorists. They are there to purely highlight any possible traffic congestion further down the road.
17 October 2003, 11:13 AM
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Scott,
I hope your right mate cos I was cruisin down to, and back from Powerstation, yesterday and might well have been going "a bit quick".
Peter
(V worried!!!)
I hope your right mate cos I was cruisin down to, and back from Powerstation, yesterday and might well have been going "a bit quick".
Peter
(V worried!!!)
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17 October 2003, 11:38 AM
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Taken from Thames Valley Police Web Site ...
New M4 Road Gantry Signs
The Highways Agency has installed new signs between J 12 and J 14 of the M4 as part of a year long pilot project to reduce congestion and collisions. The signs have two CCTV cameras. One which monitors the sign itself itself to make sure its working and displaying the right message; and another to monitor the congestion to evaluate the effect the sign is having on the traffic.
There are NO speed cameras and NO SPECS cameras in the signs!
The only involvement Thames Valley Police has is to change the messages on the signs according to the conditions to give up-to-date information. This is done via our control room. The signs are owned by the Highways Agency.
There is detailed information about the project on the Highways Agency website. Please follow the link below or call them on 0845 955 6575.
----
New M4 Road Gantry Signs
The Highways Agency has installed new signs between J 12 and J 14 of the M4 as part of a year long pilot project to reduce congestion and collisions. The signs have two CCTV cameras. One which monitors the sign itself itself to make sure its working and displaying the right message; and another to monitor the congestion to evaluate the effect the sign is having on the traffic.
There are NO speed cameras and NO SPECS cameras in the signs!
The only involvement Thames Valley Police has is to change the messages on the signs according to the conditions to give up-to-date information. This is done via our control room. The signs are owned by the Highways Agency.
There is detailed information about the project on the Highways Agency website. Please follow the link below or call them on 0845 955 6575.
----
17 October 2003, 12:06 PM
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I'm on the ABD email list and this came through this morning from one of the top bods - so they're just speed indicators to get some form of automatic traffic signal control.
Dave
PS: http://www.abd.org.uk/
I've been in touch with the Highways Authority who have sent me this
message:
"Many people are now writing into us asking if the new generation of signs which have gone up , entitled "MS4s", contain speed cameras. The simple answer is no. However they do contain speed monitoring cameras, but these are not to catch individual speeding motorists but instead they electronically measure when the cars are slowing down and at what speed they are travelling at so that the traffic signs can be switched
on to warn of traffic jams and to help regulate the speed by flashing up speed limits to slow people down before they reach traffic jams."
Dave
PS: http://www.abd.org.uk/
I've been in touch with the Highways Authority who have sent me this
message:
"Many people are now writing into us asking if the new generation of signs which have gone up , entitled "MS4s", contain speed cameras. The simple answer is no. However they do contain speed monitoring cameras, but these are not to catch individual speeding motorists but instead they electronically measure when the cars are slowing down and at what speed they are travelling at so that the traffic signs can be switched
on to warn of traffic jams and to help regulate the speed by flashing up speed limits to slow people down before they reach traffic jams."
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