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New average speed cameras go up on A127

1:00am Wednesday 3rd December 2008 in


THE first average speed cameras have been installed on the A127, to catch out drivers who break the limit.

A large, T-shaped, yellow post, with several cameras on top, has been set up in the middle of the dual carriageway near the Rayleigh Weir because of concerns about the number of accidents on that stretch of road.

There will be another post installed at the junction with the A132, near Wickford.

They will measure the time a car takes to cover the distance between the two points and will start working from January 2009.

Michael Page, a spokesman for Essex County Council, said: “The introduction of average speed cameras on the A127 is a very positive move.

“It will help to reduce the number of accidents and alleviate congestion during peak times.”

The cameras are the first step in a project to reduce accidents on the road.

The next step will see a 50mph speed limit introduced.

Comments(34)

Techno says...
8:43am Wed 3 Dec 08

Great news. At last the selfish, pig ignorant, terrible drivers will be punished, for being selfish, pig ignorant, terrible drivers. All roads should have average speed cameras. Though given the way many people still speed through them I'm not sure if they are bright enough to know what it means? The penalty will certainly eductate them soon enough.

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simeo says...
8:57am Wed 3 Dec 08

These cameras will inevitably bring down the number of accidents. Hopefully they will see that bringing the limit will be pointless and possibly more dangerous and keep it at 70.

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The Defender says...
10:35am Wed 3 Dec 08

Actually i have been informed that the limit is supposed to be 60mph (although i and everyone else drives at 70!)Something to do with the spacing of lampposts or something! Basically not a motorway.

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SARFENDMAN says...
10:39am Wed 3 Dec 08

At last cameras that will avoid all those arrogant law breaking speed merchants who feel they are above the law, especially those who think themselves cute by breaking hard when seeing a yellow box on a grey pole before hitting the throttle once passed. I'm sure this wont make these speed merchants happy...tough! They will as always gon arguing the case but on this stretch of road the debate is now over. It also sees an end to those fire loving camera burning vandals.

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perini12 says...
10:55am Wed 3 Dec 08

The Defender wrote:
Actually i have been informed that the limit is supposed to be 60mph (although i and everyone else drives at 70!)Something to do with the spacing of lampposts or something! Basically not a motorway.
Read the Highway Code!! then you'll know what the speed limit should be

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PJR says...
10:57am Wed 3 Dec 08

The Defender wrote:
Actually i have been informed that the limit is supposed to be 60mph (although i and everyone else drives at 70!)Something to do with the spacing of lampposts or something! Basically not a motorway.
Actually, the A127 is classed as a Dual Carriageway, that is a road where the traffic flows in the same direction over two lanes, and is separated by a barrier. The limit here is 70mph National.

it is 60mph on single carriageway roads, or roads where oncoming traffic is only separated by white lines painted in the road, whether two, three or four lanes wide.

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Cockle says...
12:25pm Wed 3 Dec 08

There will be several more of these SPECS cameras as they will check the average speed over the length of the restriction; there will need to be a camera before and after each junction to create a section in which speed can be monitored without any doubt.

It is also a pity that there is no signage letting everyone know that the cameras are not yet in use. That would have avoided the situation this morning when an accident was narrowly avoided when a car in the outside lane suddenly braked from 70ish to less than 40 when the driver spotted the camera. Regardless of your feelings about the cameras anything which causes sudden severe braking on a fast moving road is a potential accident hazard.

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Cockle says...
12:33pm Wed 3 Dec 08

Also, judging from some of the comments so far it would appear that a fair number of people are confirming my suspicions that the majority of drivers do not know their Highway Code and probably haven't read a copy since they passed their test.

No wonder speeding is so endemic if people do not know what the correct speed limits are for various types of roads. If they don't know that then it is even less likely that they have a clue about the speed limits which apply to different types of vehicle on the different types of road i.e. a large artic is restricted to 40 on a NSL single carriageway road.

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Techno says...
12:41pm Wed 3 Dec 08

As they say. Ignorance is no excuse in law. The cameras will certainly help reinforce that fact and it will also force habitual offenders to reconsider their antisocial views on society.

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APR says...
1:07pm Wed 3 Dec 08

So anyone joining the 127 (Southend bound) from the 130 onwards, won't need to worry ?
I think the idea is good in principle, but I don't think it will have much affect on the speeding chavs.


Although the law isn't enforced, I thought large vans (transit sized) were restricted to 60mph. ?
Only "car derived" vans being being allowed to do 70mph.
Although the police ANPR vans travel at 70mph.


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ST 1 says...
1:40pm Wed 3 Dec 08

So these cameras are being installed at the same time that they have just announced improvements to the A127 junctions that will improve safety along this stretch. Obviously the cameras will get all the credit for any reduction in accidents.

The widened slip roads and feeder lanes at the junctions will do more for road safety than a camera ever will.

All types of speed cameras are a sham, they're road policing on the cheap. Unfortunately you get what you pay for.

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thelonewhinger says...
2:03pm Wed 3 Dec 08

Will these high tech cameras detect those driving on false plates? Will they stop the driver who dithers along the slip road at 30 mph to emerge into potential 70 mph traffic? Will they catch the flash Harry's who cut you up leaving the outside lane of the A127 for the A130 slip at the last moment?
As usual cameras cameras everywhere and never pause to think.

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ShipShape says...
2:21pm Wed 3 Dec 08

That is something..

Those awful drivers who potter along at 45-50mph in the 70mph zones, these drivers cause all sorts of hold-ups as the traffic has to go single file to pass them.



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thelonewhinger says...
2:28pm Wed 3 Dec 08

Steady-on Ship Shape there are many 70 mph zones on the A127 where blind bends, emerging traffic and sheer amount of traffic make anything over 50 mph downright dangerous.
Many is the time that I have had a boy racer shoot by me at 65mph - so fast the draft blew my Kangol cap off!

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VANGE LES says...
2:35pm Wed 3 Dec 08

Statistics have proved that speed is not the prime cause of accidents and casualties, more are caused by dangerous and inconsiderate drivers, but there is no way that this can be caught easily on camera and a fine/points immediately issued.
So for the immediate future we are stuck with these money raising scams.

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The Defender says...
3:22pm Wed 3 Dec 08

I know its 70, which is why i drive at that speed. I was just reporting that i have been told (hearsay i admit) by my father that he was stopped for speeding (75mph apparently) and was told by the police officer that the speed limit was 60 and it was a common misconception!
If the police dont know, how are we supposed to!!

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Partyboy2 says...
3:44pm Wed 3 Dec 08

This is why speed camera's are useless....

http://www.speedflip
.com/index.html


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Southchurch Steve says...
4:51pm Wed 3 Dec 08

thelonewhinger wrote:
Will these high tech cameras detect those driving on false plates? Will they stop the driver who dithers along the slip road at 30 mph to emerge into potential 70 mph traffic? Will they catch the flash Harry's who cut you up leaving the outside lane of the A127 for the A130 slip at the last moment? As usual cameras cameras everywhere and never pause to think.
The answer to most of your questions is no, but of what relevance is that?

To catch every road offence as outlined by you would require a policeman at every junction - is that what you want?

False plates are picked up by ANPR vehicles that the police also use.

And if you spot a car driving dangerously slowly, you can of course, call the police (hands free obviously).

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Boyd Schidt says...
5:00pm Wed 3 Dec 08

Partyboy2 wrote:
This is why speed camera's are useless.... http://www.speedflip .com/index.html
Ha ha ha. Anyone who is willing to spend £150 to avoid speed camera detection by tilting your number plate down (illegally) is a bigger mug than people who simply speed.

I reckon I can save myself £150 and not get caught for speeding by simply not going over the speed limit. Not necessarily an original idea, but simple and effective.

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Bosniavet says...
5:29pm Wed 3 Dec 08

I personally believe the money spent on these cameras would be better used paying for Police vehicles to patrol the roads & ANPR technology, as there are large numbers of people driving uninsured, stolen, or falsely numbered vehicles. These cameras are all well & good, but they do not address the rise in illegally used vehicles on our roads, or stop drunk or drug affected drivers.

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denzel7077 says...
6:06pm Wed 3 Dec 08

As long as they rid the roads of pompous BMW Audi and Merc drivers - its a win win.Hopefully it will show these are also typically the people who think they are expemt from the mobile phone laws too....

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CSI Paul says...
8:03am Thu 4 Dec 08

Average speed cameras ? They sound like they are far from average, in fact they sound very clever.

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fletch12107 says...
8:40am Thu 4 Dec 08

The speed limits are a maximum speed. You dont have to do it. Try leaving a bit earlier and driving to where you are going without leaving the nearside lane you will arrive safely and without stress.

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jam55king says...
11:09am Thu 4 Dec 08

I come up the A13 every night between 8 and 11 and the standard of driving is unbelievable!! u have Africans driving 40 in a 70 middle lane and Eastern Europeans undertaking on the phone beer in hand HAHAHAH!! WHAT A JOKE THIS COUNTRY IS NOW!! never mind when the airport opens they'll be so much traffic that even the immigrants will be moaning lmfao!! Well said cockle!!

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Pork Belly says...
12:05pm Thu 4 Dec 08

There is only one way to stop your speed merchants from driving too fast is to limit the capabilities of the cars. You do not need and cannot legally use a car that will do 150mph and pull a 6 sec 0-60mph. It's not so much the speed but more of how that speed is used. So limit vehicles to 70mph max and a 0-60mph of 20secs (bikes as well!)and you take away the problem plus many many people will live a bit longer.

And an observation.... why is it all the petrol heads that I knew as a young 'un were absolutely useless at any physical activity. They couldn't run, play football, rugby or pull a bird but they though of themselves as "Bl**dy good drivers". To me they were the original Nerds

Smacks of a huge inferiority complex who can only get their kicks with a V8 under their right foot.

Muppets one and all

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Mark D says...
10:52pm Fri 5 Dec 08

Continuing the theme - have you ever noticed that whenever boy racers have music blaring out, the music is invariably sh*te? And why don't they learn to indicate (apart from with their fingers, of course).

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Pro Police says...
11:26am Sat 6 Dec 08

speed limit answer _

Dual carrigeway cars can do 70mph
dual carrigeway VANS can do 60mph
single carrigeway (unrestricted) both can only do 60mph

These Spec cameras have ANPR technology built in so Police will be able to chase up all stolen false plates un-insured vehicles etc

And buying any sort of tilting plate is illegal and will result in you being arrested !!

there you go, have a very happy 50mph new year

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ryansss says...
12:28pm Wed 10 Dec 08

Hmm found this by chance and it proves a few things. Most people that can find time to post utter rubbish need to be shot! Also learn to drive!

The A127 is a hellish slow moving road due to idiots not understanding what lanes are for!

Yes I have a sports car, but I do track days and know how to drive which is why I've never had a knock and have a clean license. I may occasionaly speed, but I adjust my speed to the road, conditions and traffic on the road.

The A127 is mainly used by dithering idiots which don't understand the right hand lane isnt for them to cruise in (over taking lane). Lane changes should be done by indicating and then looking to see it's clear, not just pulling out!

I can't wait for the police to crack down on the people that drive to slow, in the wrong lane, not indicating and causing trouble!

Speed limits should be by the road. The A127 is perfectly safe for 70mph (not that any fooker in the day does this) above this there are a few risky spots, but the M25 should be at least 90mph. Works for Germany why not us?

Wonder how much of my tax money is being wasted on this camera project.

I'm a police trained advance driver so I prob know more about driving than those that say petrol heads are the problem and everyone should drive at 50.

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Gary.H says...
2:34pm Tue 16 Dec 08

This is nothing more than a revenue gaining exercise!
At peak times you are lucky to do 50mph.
Accidents are ALWAYS caused by bad driving, not speed. Speed only limits your response time.
Bad driving causes accidents at any speed.
All motoring offences deserve to be punished, but Bad driving deserves on-the-spot fixed penalty points from the Police, with banned drivers having their cars confiscated and being fined/jailed.
Camera's don't catch bad driving.

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Rayleigh motorman says...
11:21am Fri 19 Dec 08

As a daily A127 user, I welcome the average speed cameras if it means that I will be able to drive at 50mph, as it is usually below 35mph.
What no-one seems to have realised is that average speed cameras are reading your registration plates, which means that ROAD CHARGING is the next thing to follow, it is a no-cost option for Essex CC to raise vast amounts of money (stelth tax).
While many do-gooders will think this a great idea, they may not be so happy when traffic is driven off the A127 to run parallel to it thruogh Eastwood,Rayleigh,Sh
otgate and Wickford, before rejoining the A127 at Neverndon. Will they still be happy with the extra traffic, noise, pollution and danger in heavily populated areas. Remember the A127 was built to take traffic away from populated areas, not to provide extra cash for Essex CC.

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ShoeburyBlue says...
11:46am Fri 19 Dec 08

More money for the Essex Scamera Partnership. How about more Traffic Police Officers who can see the poor driving and act and show discretion where needed.

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mig200120 says...
8:36pm Fri 26 Dec 08

I was just wondering how "safe" it is to drive along at 70 mph constantly looking down at your speedometer. And what happens to the record of all the number plates? How long is it keep? Who has access to it? Be in know doubt this is one step in making Britain a Police State.

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V8Power says...
12:23am Tue 20 Jan 09

This is what they dont want you to know.

Story done by the Dailymail.


Drivers can avoid speeding tickets...by changing lanes
By RAY MASSEY
Last updated at 22:3

A massive flaw in a new generation of speed cameras means motorists can avoid fines and points on their licence simply by changing lanes.
The Home Office admitted last night that drivers can avoid being caught the by hi-tech 'SPECS' cameras which calculate a car's average speed over a long distance.
The astonishing loophole means that millions of speeding drivers around Britain could escape a £60 fine and three points on their licence. The hidden blind-spot - revealed today by the Daily Mail - raises questions about the supposedly foolproof hi-tech camera system which is increasingly used on Britain's roads.
Although designed to improve road safety, the loophole means that drivers may actually increase the risk of accidents by continually switching lanes.
Police chiefs were last night forced to urge drivers not to exploit the shortcoming by trying to evade the cameras.
The flaw affects the controversial SPECS cameras. Unlike standard Gatso cameras which individually flash a car as it passes, these cameras measure a driver's average speed between two fixed points - which can be many miles apart.
If this average speed between cameras is higher than the speed limit, the driver gets a fine through the post and three points on their licence.
The cameras were designed to catch motorists who simply slow down in front of a camera, and then drive above the speed limit until they reach the next one.
But, under Home Office rules governing the camera equipment, prosecutions are only valid if a driver is filmed in the same lane at the start and finish of each section by a linked pair of cameras.
The Home Office admitted yesterday that the hi-tech SPECS cameras - produced by Camberley-based Speed Check Services - are only approved to be used one lane at a time.
That means a three-lane motorway would require three separate sets of cameras - one for each lane. If drivers leave the speed-camera zone via a different lane to the one they entered in, they cannot normally be prosecuted.
The camera's manufacturers - Speed Check Services (SCS) - confirmed that drivers could escape prosecution by lane-hopping but discouraged it on 'safety' grounds.
Sets of the cameras have been installed at 27 sites around the UK at a cost of between £180,000 and £1.5 million per site, according to Geoff Collins, SCS?s sales and marketing manager.
Fourteen of the sites are permanent while another 13 are temporary at road works, where their presence has mushroomed in recent years. Sites that run for longer distances cost more because they need more cameras.
They include permanent cameras around Nottingham, a 20mph zone around Tower Bridge in London, the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and at roadworks on the M6 in the West Midlands, the M25, the A1(M) and the M1 in Hertfordshire, the A2 in Kent, and the M56 in Cheshire.
The SPECS cameras work by measuring the time a vehicle takes to pass between two number plate reading cameras set up to 6.2 miles apart.
A computer works out the time it takes to cover the distance, and then calculates the average speed.
If this is higher than the speed limit, a colour photograph taken by a third digital camera is stored for enforcement purposes. Multiple sets of the cameras are installed on stretches of road to make 'enforcement zones'.
But under Home Office 'type approval' rules, each individual set cannot be linked to any of the others. So cars are timed only between sets of number plate readers 'paired' for the same lane.
Most of the time each number plate reader in a pair will be directed at the same single lane of traffic and will therefore not detect lane hoppers, according to Mr Collins. He said:' If it?s configured to monitor one particular lane, then it wouldn?t pick up a lane changer.'
He added: 'There are configurations when (a speeding vehicle) would not be picked up, if it?s gone from lane one to lane three between cameras.'
The company's technical director Graeme Southwood said that when the devices were approved by the Home Office in 1999, they passed strict tests for use in one lane at a time. But there was not enough time or finances to extend Home office approval tests to cover the cameras' use over two or three lanes at a time. This has created the loop-hole.
He still claimed - without spelling out any detail - that this loop-hole was not actually foolproof and that some of those who attempt to use it will still face a speeding prosecution.

link to story but the dailymail.

http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/news/article-
410539/Drivers-avoid
-speeding-tickets--c
hanging-lanes.html



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nutie says...
12:11am Fri 20 Feb 09

I thought the 50 mph limit was all the way from Basildon- I drove that way Tuesday- and after the wickford turn off- noyiced national speed limits-- is that confusing or have they forgotten to take the signs down

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