Nick1

For all those M4 users


For your info

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.

Gatso Busters

Hi

Buy a good quality GPS Speed Camera Warning system - they will give you at least a mile warning of SPECS, Truvello's and Gatso....As long as you update your unit regulary you will never have a problem. Good info on the SPECS system though.

Cheers

Robert
www.mobilecentre.co.uk

ian_sadler

Thanks for the info.

M14YEN

oh dear im screwed then

i flew down there in a major panic/rush the other day as i was late for a job interivew.

how long before i find out?

there goes my job, house, car

MattW

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

I wish people would do their homework before scaring the **** out of people.

Listy

Top Man Matt......

Personally I have never yet seen a Specs set up without Infra Red lamps mounted next to the cameras.

To run them without the IR lamps would render them useless outside of daylight hours.... very little point in that I fear.

When SPECS Spotting look for the Big Round Black Light next to the Camera... If it's there it's a safe bet it's specs.

Kane

MATTW thanks for the information..just came down M4 last night a lot quicker than i should have and raised eye brow a little on reading first part. Now ready TVP website and breathed sigh of relief, thought it would have been broadcast if it was happening - especially on 2tenFM who all help out on speeding information. Thanks anyways..