47 replies to this topic

[MaxAndPaddy]

Whilst on one of our countries most enjoyable drives  , M1, M42,M5 to the south-west, there are quite a number of variable limit areas with speed cameras. I'm always fairy particular about sticking to them, even when they decide to alternate between 40,50, 60 then 40 at every gantry in an attempt to catch you out.

 

However when I hit the M5 outside of Bristol and there was no limit in place but the speed cameras flashed a couple of times, I always thought they were in-active when the variable limit restrictions where inactive???

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

From my research there is no time when you can be certain that the cameras are indeed inactive. I would never risk exceeding them. There have been times when they have been inactive, other times when they're active, and other times where several people have been flashed but never heard anything else from it.

 

I've always been cautious since I've found most of the time, particularly on the M25, they're at a point of the motorway where an accident has happened or there is a workforce in the road and the speeds decrease gradually and then end once you've passed said section. I don't think it is worth the risk since it's very easy to end up going a bit too quick as you approach stopped or tailbacking traffic. 

[MaxAndPaddy]

From my research there is no time when you can be certain that the cameras are indeed inactive. I would never risk exceeding them. There have been times when they have been inactive, other times when they're active, and other times where several people have been flashed but never heard anything else from it.

 

I've always been cautious since I've found most of the time, particularly on the M25, they're at a point of the motorway where an accident has happened or there is a workforce in the road and the speeds decrease gradually and then end once you've passed said section. I don't think it is worth the risk since it's very easy to end up going a bit too quick as you approach stopped or tailbacking traffic. 

 

Weirdly I have never seen them go off when the variable limits are on, but being paranoid, I have always assumed they would, even when other cars go flying past you above the speed limit.

[Black.Ghost]

I hate them. The only time there is a need to slow down the traffic is when there is a work force in the road, and that is for fairly obvious reasons. I do not understand how they can possibly think that in heavy traffic, changing speed limits will help keep things moving smoother. All it does is cause cars to constantly speed up and slow down (which is causing fuel inefficiency, something they claim to want to reduce), and cause tail backs as if enough cars break, the last one will have to stop. 

 

On the camera front, I am fairly relaxed about them and have never had anything turn up on the door step. I don't go everywhere at 100mph though either. 

 

I spent 5 years living in Germany, They don't have these stupid average speed cameras and variable speed limits. They have nice de-restricted roads which work well. If there are roadworks or it reduces to two lanes, the speed limits are displayed and stuck to for the most part. Everything flows a lot better than being told drive at 50 for half a mile, now drive at 60, now at 40 etc etc. These speeds on motorways are frankly ridiculous and counter productive.

 

End rant. 

[Ben_O]

I hate them. The only time there is a need to slow down the traffic is when there is a work force in the road, and that is for fairly obvious reasons. I do not understand how they can possibly think that in heavy traffic, changing speed limits will help keep things moving smoother. All it does is cause cars to constantly speed up and slow down (which is causing fuel inefficiency, something they claim to want to reduce), and cause tail backs as if enough cars break, the last one will have to stop. 

 

On the camera front, I am fairly relaxed about them and have never had anything turn up on the door step. I don't go everywhere at 100mph though either. 

 

I spent 5 years living in Germany, They don't have these stupid average speed cameras and variable speed limits. They have nice de-restricted roads which work well. If there are roadworks or it reduces to two lanes, the speed limits are displayed and stuck to for the most part. Everything flows a lot better than being told drive at 50 for half a mile, now drive at 60, now at 40 etc etc. These speeds on motorways are frankly ridiculous and counter productive.

 

End rant. 

Couldn't have said it any better mate.

 

It seems that speed cameras are just a money making scheme anyway.

 

Now don't get me started on those big speedbumps....

[Cooperman]

Bloody cash cameras. Just a money making scam by the manufacturers who originally convinced those in power that 'driving by numbers' would reduce accidents. So they bought into the scheme and now can't admit they were wrong. They were seen as a way of raising money whilst reducing manned police patrols thus saving more money. Totally flawed logic.

[M J W J]

Whilst on one of our countries most enjoyable drives  , M1, M42,M5 to the south-west, there are quite a number of variable limit areas with speed cameras. I'm always fairy particular about sticking to them, even when they decide to alternate between 40,50, 60 then 40 at every gantry in an attempt to catch you out.

 

However when I hit the M5 outside of Bristol and there was no limit in place but the speed cameras flashed a couple of times, I always thought they were in-active when the variable limit restrictions where inactive???

 

If no speed limit is being displayed then the motorway returns to normal so the speed limit is 70 mph. Yes the cameras are still sometimes active. A family friend is a judge and banned someone from driving as they were doing 90 mph on the m6. Their excuse was that there wasn't a speed limit being displayed to which it was pointed out that the speed limit was therefore 70 mph.

 

 

 

I spent 5 years living in Germany, They don't have these stupid average speed cameras and variable speed limits. They have nice de-restricted roads which work well. If there are roadworks or it reduces to two lanes, the speed limits are displayed and stuck to for the most part. Everything flows a lot better than being told drive at 50 for half a mile, now drive at 60, now at 40 etc etc. These speeds on motorways are frankly ridiculous and counter productive.

 

I disagree when you say they are counter productive. Yes the traffic may be moving slower but with the variable limits in place they do keep the traffic moving. I remember when I used to join the M6 off the M54 and the traffic was always stop start before the cameras were brought in. As soon as they brought in the variable speed limits and average cameras I have found the traffic is usually always moving albeit only at about 30-40 mph. This does however mean that my overall journey time is less than it would have been.

 

I do still think they are a bit of a money making gimmick though. Fair enough slow the traffic down to 50mph when its rush hour but when its midnight why can't I do 90mph? I still reckon the M6 toll should up its speed limit as well if it wants more business. Its empty enough to do it.

[Cooperman]

 

 

If no speed limit is being displayed then the motorway returns to normal so the speed limit is 70 mph. Yes the cameras are still sometimes active. A family friend is a judge and banned someone from driving as they were doing 90 mph on the m6. Their excuse was that there wasn't a speed limit being displayed to which it was pointed out that the speed limit was therefore 70 mph.

 

Very unusual to ban someone for 90 mph in a 70 limit. Also unusual for it to come before a judge. It is usually a Magistrates Court when the speed is high enough for a summons to appear before a Magistrate to be issued, at which time a larger fine an/or a short ban is considered. I hope the following is a help.

 

Here are the approved guidelines:

 

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued speed enforcement policy guidance, which suggests that enforcement will normally occur when a driver exceeds the speed limit by a particular margin. This is normally 10 per cent over the speed limit plus 2 mph. It also sets guidelines for when it would not be appropriate to issue a fixed penalty notice but to issue a summons instead (see below). Note that these are guidelines and that a police officer has discretion to act outside of them providing he acts fairly, consistently and proportionately.

 

Speed limit: 20 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 24 mph
Summons: 35 mph

 

Speed limit: 30 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 35 mph
Summons: 50 mph

 

Speed limit: 40 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 46 mph
Summons: 66 mph

 

Speed limit: 50 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 57 mph
Summons: 76 mph

 

Speed limit: 60 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 68 mph
Summons: 86 mph

 

Speed limit: 70 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 79 mph
Summons: 96 mph

[Ben_O]

A ban for 90MPH in a 70? wow that is harsh!

I was under the impression that it would be a fine and/or points.

 

I often travel between Portsmouth and Kent but dues to ferry prices from the Isle of Wight, we travel during the night when the ferry is much cheaper.

 

Its very frustrating doing 60-70 on an empty motorway. It feels like your going much much slower and it is very tempting to speed up, especially when you get the odd person sip past doing probably more than 100.

 

Just not worth the risk IMO. You never know who is watching and more importantly, what is around the next bend.

 

I was doing 70 round the M25 in my old Volvo at about 3AM and the road was empty, we were just coming past the Crawley/Brighton turn off and noticed an ambulance in the hard shoulder with its blue lights on, we both turned and looked to see what was happening and when i turned to look ahead again, there was a heavily smashed up, unlit wreck sitting in the fast lane. I swerved and just clipped it.

 

So yeah, whatever the situation, Don't exceed the limit and keep your eyes firmly on the road. 

[Cooperman]

I normally cruise at 88 to 90 indicated at night on M'ways and DC's, and at 80 to 85 indicated during the day.

It's 3 points and £100 if caught at night, but during the day I am in 'Speed Awareness Course' territory which attracts no points.

In my Cooper 'S' I cruise at about 5000 rpm which is 70 mph  . It's very noisy inside too.

[Seba5tian]

I got flashed on the M4 going past bristol by the Variable Limit cameras in the mini.. The variable limit was off and I was doing about 86 indicated (probably about 80). Didn't end up getting anything

[Gerbil367]

Its because no-one believes a Mini goes that fast  ---- apart from us believers

[jime17]

Its because no-one believes a Mini goes that fast  ---- apart from us believers

Mine sounds like its doing that when in actuality its doing 38

[jime17]

Its because no-one believes a Mini goes that fast  ---- apart from us believers

Mine sounds like its doing that when in actuality its doing 38

[M J W J]

Very unusual to ban someone for 90 mph in a 70 limit. Also unusual for it to come before a judge. It is usually a Magistrates Court when the speed is high enough for a summons to appear before a Magistrate to be issued, at which time a larger fine an/or a short ban is considered. I hope the following is a help.

 

I think the guy caught was made a bit of an example of .

 

The fact he stood up in court and said he didn't know the speed limit also shows a lack of attention or just ignorance to the highway code.

 

I know Stafford and some other counties have 0 tolerance to speeding. My dad was fined for doing 31 in a 30 zone past a speed camera in Stafford