Bugga!!!
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.
Bl**dy H£ll, I've been up and down the M4 at least four times this week and am therefore waiting for the inevitable 'BAN'
How am I going to get out of this one with my licence in tact? I was averaging about 80-85 on all four journeys!!!
M7 
(edited for speeling)