greasemonkey

As In The Sticks says, there have been variations on this stupid hoax going round the country for months, fed by paranoia and ignorance. Tim, we know you didn't intend to waste anyone's time, but TBH the only reason these hoaxes survive is because people don't stop to think before spreading them.

It's no different to the email that advises you to delete a harmless Windows system file on the basis that it's a virus that is undetectable by any virus scanner.

These new signs are MS4 (motorway signal 4) traffic information boards, and do not contain "hidden, invisible SPECS cameras", as SPECS cameras are neither hidden nor invisible. They don't contain any other form of speed enforcement/prosecution equipment either. As REV says, the devices on these boards are for measuring traffic flow, not nicking folk.

SPECS cameras look like this:


They're not hidden inside traffic information boards, firstly because they're too bl**dy big, but mainly because the Government guidelines for the use of such devices say they must be in plain sight and brightly coloured.

Sure, there are SPECS cameras in use on the M6, and elsewhere on the UK's road network, but they're readily identifiable, and not hidden in matrix boards.

If everyone reading this thread stops and thinks before forwarding on emails like this, and tells their friends that they're fake, with a bit of luck the hoaxes might start to die off a bit.

BTW, did you know it's possible to catch AIDS from toilet seats?

[Edited by greasemonkey - 12/2/2003 11:55:27 AM]

scooby-si

if there is no camera signs then you cannt get done for speeding

[Edited by scooby-si - 12/2/2003 2:12:04 PM]

timmyjmy93wrx

An email i have received states the following:
which I assume is correct.

The new electronic signs on the M6 were switched on this Tuesday. The bad news is that they are rigged with the SPECS speed cameras. This probably applies to all the new signs being installed on the M62, M60 and M56. SPECS is a computer-camera based system.

As you go past the sign a digital camera reads your number plate. When you go past the next sign your number plate is read again. The computer 'knows' how far apart the signs are so it can work out your average speed between the two, or three or four.

The system is fully automatic and will issue a ticket without any form of human intervention. It does this for every single vehicle that passes. You will not know you have been caught as the cameras don't flash. They work 24/7, 365 days a year, and theoretically, there's absolutely no limit on the number of tickets that the system can issue.

The whole section of the M6 between Knutsford and Preston is wired, both ways. The system is set to trigger a ticket at 78MPH. (Don't take this as a guarantee). Radar detectors will be of no use as SPECS is entirely passive, there is no laser beam to detect.

Be warned and spread the news!

This is all i know, whether it is 100% true or accurate i am unsure but be warned!!!!!!!!

IN THE STICKS

Seem to remember this from a few weeks ago ,and the opinion at the time was it was false. Their seems to be a few similar mails going around with the same basic idea, just different roads mentioned .

Dave

timmyjmy93wrx

Hey as a stated not sure if its true, just trying to advise/help thats all.
Not intended to waste time etc.

NotoriousREV

This started when another stretch had a similar install (near Nottingham IIRC) because the dot matrix signs have cameras on them.

The cameras are there to monitor the traffic for congestion and accidents and also there are cameras looking at the signs to ensure the readout is correct.

SPECS cameras are pretty distinctive, plus these days they always have a yellow board behind them and must be backed up with the correct warning signs.

pugoetru

even if its not true it soon will be

pugoetru

**** that im never sitting down again

Jolley

On a related subject, I saw some new Gatso's going up on the M42 roadworks this weekend (I really hope they were not there before!! .... but I could be wrong).

Nice and sneaky to leave it cameraless for a couple of months, then add them!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Looks like a COM6 error this time

Looking at the wording it's almost identical to the COM4 e-mails, so I'm under the presumption that its a haox.

The only Specs I know of on the M6 are where all the roadworks are, and they've been there for a long time

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Greasemonkey,

Thanks for that, I've now Emailed everyone I know to take a dump standing up

Scooby96

Anyone from five-o.com know if this M6 specs average speed between signs is true or false?

greasemonkey

Quite, you can't be too careful.

BTW, I've also heard an unpleasant rumour that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father, but that came from an unreliable source and might not be true...

CrisPDuk

Greasemonkey, Yoda told that one to me the other day

greasemonkey

Maybe it's true then. Some dodgy looking guy in a cloak told me. Emperor Imports I think he said his name was. Sounded like he had a really sore throat, thought he was just a drunk off the street, didn't really pay attention.

Scooby96 - why do you need the guys from Five-0 to tell you this is a fake? A quick read of this should reveal that the M6 story is simply the earlier M4 one recycled. Note the identical wording.

[Edited by greasemonkey - 12/2/2003 3:11:12 PM]

speedking

Look here under "New M4 Road Gantry Signs". Thames Valley Police had to issue a disclaimer because of all the calls about this.