M20 Speed cams around J5 / J6

[MaFt]

sdm197

would i be ok to use the photo's you posted for on the camera download page as examples of gantry cameras and anpr? also, did you say the bottom picture was a 'laser speed reader'? and by this do you mean it is a camera used solely for monitoring the flow of traffic in terms of adjusting the variable seed limits?

thanks

MaFt

[MaFt]

http://www.crs-traffic.co.uk/product_monitoring.html

[Anita]

[sdm197]

MaFt,

I have PM'ed you re pictures, I think you could well be right on the laser readers being there to monitor the speeds, rather than enforce.

SDM197.

[sdm197]

Hi,

This Laser device on the M20 Gantry is the same one fitted to the top of this van, this is quite clearly marked as a camera van, using the camera enforcement signs on it. The only thing is I am not absolutely sure what it is enforcing. See pictures here





So the camera/Laser is the same type, now it could be that it is the same device but used for a different application, this is sort of borne out by the website links to CRS which have been posted. The explanation from a Police Officer in a proper known mobile speed camera van, said after I described this van, that it was to do with the congestion charge. I have my doubts about this, because of the markings on the van, also because this van is registered in 02 when the charge came in in 03.

If anyone can definitely explain this vans use may be this would throw some light on the M20 gantry ones.

SDM197.

[GPS_fan]

I passed a van similar a week or so ago, but:

in addition to the speed camera signs on the sides and rear of the van, it had orange lights on the roof along with the word "surveying"

the guys from the van were wearing reflective jackets which also said either "Surveying" or "Surveyor" on the back

it was close to the site of a recent accident and the guys were measuring something

At the time, I assumed that the camera was likely to be CCTV for monitoring purposes, so it wasn't reported.
_________________
Andy
PocketGPSWorld.com supports Help for Heroes - Read here

[sdm197]

Mmmm The plot thickens,

I have been doing a little more research, the Low Emission zone is also being policed by Mobile vans with ANPR, I wonder if this van could be enforcing that? This would not explain the ones which are on the M20 though as they are coast bound.

I took this from the TFL website,

The Low Emission Zone will operate using cameras to identify registration numbers of vehicles.

It will be in force seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Also on The London Safety Camera Partnership

http://www.lscp.org.uk/?othercameras

Low Emission Zone Cameras
TfL's Low Emission Zone will be in operation from February 2008. The zone aims to discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles and improve air quality. A series of fixed and mobile cameras will be used to read vehicle number plates. Vehicles within the zone will be checked against a database of vehicles which meet the Low Emission Zone emission standards. Drivers of vehicles which do not comply with the standards will be required to pay a daily charge or will become liable to a penalty charge.

But I still am doubtful as this van was registered in 02 before the emission zone came about.


SDM197.

[sdm197]

Hi All,

I saw the same type van today (See Below)

he was parked in the same place, I banged on the van and spoke to the operator, he told me that this van was for enforcing the Low Emission Zone, he said the van used to enforce the congestion charge, but they had been modified for this new purpose.

I still cannot fathom why they would have the same device on the coast bound gantries on the M20 though....



SDM197

[Andy_P]

[Darren]

[sdm197]

Hi Darren,

Yes I can see why they would want ANPR which are on the gantry just before these devices, see the pictures, which then opens up a whole new question, are in fact the cylindrical devices which we have been seeing cropping up on our Motorways and A roads ANPR? Why have two successive gantries effectively doing the same job?

Also look at this link, I have seen these devices fitted to the rear corner of the roof of patrol cars, plus these look very similar to the gantry devices.

http://www.clearlicence.co.uk/speed_traps/spike.html

I think it would be good to get more info,

SDM197.

[Darren]

The ones you see on patrol cars are ANPR but yes I hadn't understood that there were two successive gantries equipped so very odd.
_________________
Darren Griffin

[Andy_P]

There are lots of these "Spike" cameras appearing (singly) on traffic lights around London too.
Not in any position that would be used for congestion/Low emission zones or near any obvious "security" targets.

[gav28]

I contacted the Highways agency and KCC back in Feb when they first appeared. I have received written confirmation that these cameras will be active Coastbound and London bound on M20 between J4 and J7 on the M20 come Autumn time. They are currently in a testing phase to allow local commuters to become used to them.

They are currently NOT active. The speed limits that are displayed in the overhead gantrys are using the orange "recommended" speed limit signs. When this changes to a Red circle with the speed within, the cameras will be active!

Here is the email I received:-

Area 4 MAC

M20 Junctions 4-7



Thank you for your email dated 1 February 2008 regarding the above, which was forwarded to me by Kent Highway Services.



The speed cameras are part of a Contolled Motorway System. The system is designed to help reduce congestion by improving traffic flow, provide more reliable journey times, improve safety and reduce noise and air pollution.



The system uses sensors in the road surface to detect the speed, volume and flow of traffic to determine the optimum speed to keep traffic moving. The speed is then displayed on signals on the gantries overhead. By controlling the speed of the traffic, road users will experience a smoother journey with a reduction in stop-start congestion. This also reduces vehicle emissions and noise pollution.



The system has been installed and is now operating on the M20 in both directions between Junctions 4 to 7. To provide road users with an opportunity to use and understand the benefits of the Controlled Motorway system, the speed limits will not become mandatory and enforceable before Autumn 2008.



The same system has been successfully used on the M25 and as part of the M42 Active Traffic Management trial, where vehicle emissions have been reduced by between 2% and 10% and weekday traffic noise has been significantly reduced. This system will not however include the hard shoulder and emergency refuge system that has been successfully trialled on the M42.



I trust this fully answers your query. However, if you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.



Kind regards,

[mikealder]

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