M6 New Speed Cameras - Watch out!

[Localiser Green]

Sorry moderators if you think this is in the wrong place, please move as appropriate.

There are (very visible, clearly marked) SPECS cameras on the Thelwall viaduct where significant repair work is being carried out on the bridge.

The new electronic signs on the M6 were switched on last 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!

[Bodie]

Can't beleive this old chestnut is doing the rounds still.

Check this out

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/3233169.stm

[Postman Plod]

Ahhh, now this could be a spoof, however certainly during the roadwork period (last went up the M6 in June) there were SPECS cameras on the Thelwall viaduct (along with other major roadworks), which do work as advertised (spot and average speeds). These look like a pair of normal cameras on overhead gantries, however they do have yellow bordering (as per the new speed camera regs).

The speed limit in the roadworks had been dropped to a stupidly low 40mph (as opposed to the normal 50mph for roadworks) which arguably could be to raise money for the cash strapped police forces... mmm... The speed limit in the roadworks was certainly not 70 however, so if you are doing 70 through roadworks with speed cameras, you deserve what you get!

However.... Will these cameras remain once the roadworks are complete? I doubt it, but do be aware they exist, and what they look like!

As Bodie says, they generally are NOT hidden behind or inside new signs (such as the old M4 spoof!). This looks kinda like the M4 spoof with a little bit of fact thrown in to confuse!

[Localiser Green]

Probably some fact and some fiction, the LANPAC issued a firm denial... but let's just say there are emails flying around between various organisations in the region who "don't know what to believe now"

However much truth there is, I would still advise 78mph or less in the area.

(p.s. there are SPECS on the Thelwall Viaduct, this they do not deny).

[PPRuNe Pop]

After asking a question about this to let us say, an appropriate person, I am satisfied that the plans to put this into effect are not yet made.

Also, this very same first post has been on PPRuNe twice before and a third time is, shall we say, inappropriate! So I am closing the thread. :rolleyes: