On Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:28:59 +0100, Neil Williams
wrote:
On Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:08:34 +0100, Paul Terry
wrote:

Added to which, it has been widely reported (and confirmed by the
cameras' manufacturer) that drivers can defeat a SPECS camera by the
potentially unsafe practice of lane-hopping during the measured section
of road.

Really? I always assumed that either of the two cameras would work.
(Not sure why it's 2 - if it's lane based there should logically be 3
across a motorway).


There are only ever two on the cantilever posts. However, if they are
mounted on an overhead gantry, you can have as many as you like.

I have done some work for a firm that supplies these cameras, and it
is true that lane hopping can defeat them (although I wouldn't bet my
licence on it!). But a new generation of control system is being
trialled which allows number plate recognition data from all lanes to
be used. I couldn't find out where it was being trialled, but I
strongly suspect (from where the firm is located) that it would be on
M1 Junction 10-13.

Of course the easiest way to 'defeat' the cameras is to stick to the
speed limit. Boring, I know, but it also helps save fuel.