If you’ve seemed to notice many more signs warning you about average speed cameras while you’ve been out on your travels lately, you’re definitely not mistaken.
The BBC has revealed that the coverage of average speed cameras on the UK’s roads has doubled in the last three years. The cameras, which calculate your average speed over a stretch of road, rather than catching you out at a specific moment, now cover 263 miles of Britain’s routes. There are 51 permanent average speed camera schemes in place at the time of writing, and plenty more put in place on a temporary basis, often around the site of roadworks.
The largest-scale scheme in place covers a full 99 miles on the A9 in Scotland. At the opposite end of the scale is a scheme covering the length of Tower Bridge in London – a rather scenic drive that people probably don’t object to slowing down for!
The Rise of Average Speed Cameras
The BBC cite various reasons for rise in popularity for average speed cameras. The first is technology. It’s far cheaper to implement an average speed system than it once was. According to the report, the cost was around £1.5 Million per mile back in “the early 2000s.” That cost has now dropped to around £100,000 per mile – still not an insignificant amount, but an amount that one assumes is easily covered by the revenue earned from fines!
Also on the subject of technology, it seems that on some occasions the powers that be are opting to replace old-style speed cameras with average speed cameras. The report reveals the surprising fact that some of these old-fashioned “yellow box” cameras still use traditional 35mm film.
The other factor, which will probably surprise some readers, is that average speed cameras are apparently “better received by motorists” than their old-school equivalents, at least according to the House of Commons’ Transport Committee. We’ll leave you to tell us if you agree with this in the comments section!
Money comes before safety it is just a ripoff
watch out in Weston Super Mare all Avon and Somerset speed camaras work i was caught doing 34 in a 30 zone
Lorries often appear to ignore the average speed cameras, as they frequently overtake me to such an extent that I wonder if they know something I don’t, like the cameras are not working!
They are better than speed cameras, but all too often we see them in use where these is no need. There are road works where no one is working, they are still in place when road works are complete and everything else has been removed.
I’ve always been a bit of a petrol head, but I do approve of the increasing number of speed cameras of all varieties. The attitude and lack of respect from many drivers these days unfortunately necessitates them. It’s not just the boy/girl racers as you might imagine, so called adults who should know better are often as bad, if not worse! Cameras might be a cash cow for the authorities, but if it stops the morons from killing someone, then so be it.
I agree with both Slim and MJ but imformation needs to be improved as on the M40/A40 betweenDenham and Acton there are 6 speed changes and 5 sets of cameras, guys dont you think that this is overkill???
Very petty for Mr Foxall too get a?..?? Not said , someone should use common sense here, and why can’t the camera or whatever it used ,could be switched off when no work force are present with today’s technology. Perhaps part of a number plate could be displayed your been watched??
As I sometimes travel on the A519 through the Staffordshire village of Woodseaves, I was pleased to find they had installed average speed cameras in an effort to reduce the speed of traffic through the village, since the route is often used by heavy lorries travelling between the A41 and the Stoke motorway junction. However, on investigating further, I found via a freedom of information inquiry that the cameras had not been in use since their installation up ’til 23 October 2015, (about the date of the response) and that “We have checked with the service area and they have advised that these cameras will be operational on a periodic basis.” – Staffordshire County Council
The positive outcome is being able to adapt your speed to maintain progress in greater safety, rather than being pinioned by a strict speed limit; e.g. Coming up behind a dawdler travelling slowly and thus impeding everyone. A quick burst to make a safe overtake, whilst exceeding the posted limit for a short distance, can put you in a safer position, and improve the flow for you and everyone behind choosing the same tactic. The brief increase in speed lets you regain the time lost behind the slowey .
O.K. you may have exceeded the limit but with thoughtful driving your average can be within the average posted speed limit. We all know how difficult it is to regain time on any journey once you have been held up. Try a few sums and see how much faster you have to travel to make up time. Using the performance of your car will make the journey safer and more enjoyable.
Average speed cameras are more environmentally friendly compared to single cameras where drivers hit the brake just before the camera and then accelerate as soon as they have driven past the white markings.
Vehicles with cruise control are excellent for average speed checks because you don’t have to constantly monitor your speed which can be distracting.
I think the number of vehicles reported in the last month should be advertised. It would at least let you know that they were working. Road construction companies are keen to let you know how many man hours were safely worked etc.