Variable Speed Cameras

[MattADH]

Do they actually work? I have to go through them regularly, adhering to the limit but I have to wonder if they are active?

It seems either some cars are not affected by them or they know more than me in that they are inactive and just a deterrent. I dont know anyone who has been given a fine for speeding in a variable speed limit zone.

I look forward to hearing opinions and views...

[leeleefocus]

I don't trust the things in the slightest and stick to the speed limit like glue when i go through. It makes me laugh at the people that brake when they go past the camera and then speed up in between them.

I think that the limit on them is set quite a bit higher than what is posted but i'm not willing to take a chance.

[MatJohnson]

I've known a few people get caught by them. Although, they were blatently taking the piss with speed through them.

Don't mind the variables on the motorway as long as they are actually working, its when there up and nothings happening that gets on my nerves

[bodgit]

This is an interesting article that may give you more information.
http://www.speedcam.co.uk/gatso6.htm

Im pretty sure that I read somewhere that if you swap lanes between the camera,s they cant do you. As they measure the speed in a straight line between the two sets of cameras, if you swap lanes then your distance travelled is greater and the law has to have an exact speed for the exact distance travelled, but dont take this as fact.
These cameras are supposed to make the road safer but on motorways they are in my opinion dangerous. Too many drivers are forcing their way back in to the inner lanes before the camera,s and too many brake which will sooner or later cause a pile-up

[MatJohnson]

Bodgit, that was true, they have now fixed that error. It was back in 06 that it was an issue.

[Big G]

south wales police are really taking the piss on the M4 now.

I moved from cardiff 18 months ago back up to herefordshire and we popped down to Ikea a few weeks ago and the M4 must have 10 average speed cameras from J24 newport to J29 cardiff. also the motorway is littered with 50mph signs with very little roadworks in some areas.

[bodgit]

I know what you mean I got to cardiff quite often and the M4 is stupid now. I keep to 49mph via my sat nav and cruise control and it shits you up when a hgv slowly edges past you for ages. The road was fine before.

[Big G]

I lived in cardiff for almost 4 years I can't remember a single crash on the bit of M4 I used frequently.

[SlowOne]

Matt, the ones on the M42 around the NEC work. They use NPR, not flash, for the average speed. However, they also use flash cameras that are on even when the variable speed limit isn't in force!

I've seen a couple of drivers pass me at over 80, boom goes the flash, and their adrenalin goes straight to the brake pedal!!

Personally, I find the variable cameras on the M42 and M25 work well, and keep some flow to the traffic at the times I use them. Whether the cameras actually work or not, they have the desired effect.