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| This section gives answers to many of the frequesntly asked questions pertaining to SPECS, The Law, Safety Camera Funding Scheme, Safety or Cash and Why Target Speed? |
| SPECS Questions |
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What is SPECS?
It is the only approved automatic digital speed enforcement using average speed measurement in the UK. The system is deterrent based with the ultimate deterrent being enforcement.
Is there any similar technology currently in operation in the UK?
No. SPECS remains the only digital speed system which measures average speed, which has been approved for use in the United Kingdom.
Although traditional speed cameras such as gatso cameras are in operation, none currently can enforce speeds over a distance - except SPECS.
How does it work?
SPECS works using automatic average speed digital technology. A pair of cameras creates a speed controlled zone and groups of cameras can be linked to create a speed controlled network. As vehicles pass between the cameras pairs they are digitally recorded. The time it takes for the vehicle to travel between both points is used to calculate the average speed.
If the vehicle speed is above a speed threshold, a speeding violation record is automatically generated. This includes images of the registration plate, a colour image of the vehicle and text data including the time, date, location and average speed travelling between both locations.
Violation records are stored on large storage capacity discs. This system functions 24 hours a day and can be interfaced with existing ticket processing systems.
Download SPECS Presentation (Zip file - 2.5Mb, Presentation requires WinXP)
How will motorists know what to look out for?
Motorists will need to look out for cameras erected on tall blue or yellow-coloured distinctive columns in the verge and central reservation. The cameras do not flash and all the data is digitally stored so that there is no need for film. In accordance with Department for Transport rules, standard ‘box brownie’ speed camera signs must be erected explaining to motorists that speed enforcement will be taking place.
What is SPECS and SVDD?
SPECS is the brand name for the system.
SVDD stands for Speed Violation Detection Deterrent. It is the name given to the unique technology the SPECS system is based upon which has gained Home Office Type Approval (HOTA).
What is Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) testing and why is it significant?
Home Office Approval testing is in place to ensure that equipment meets the highest standards and any information provided from HOTA approved equipment can be considered as providing admissible evidence in UK courts.
ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) approved of the system and supported its application for Home Office Type Approval. Two Police Forces, Kent and Leicestershire, championed the trials testing on the M1 and M20 Roadworks.
The PSDB (Police Scientific and Development Branch of the Home Office) undertook scientific evaluation as a necessary part of the HOTA process. This evaluation included test track trials at an independent test site. The evaluation was successful and verified the SVDD technology used in SPECS as 100% accurate.
HOTA is significant because it empowers UK Police Forces to use the SPECS technology to bring charges against speeding offenders, confident in the knowledge that they can present irrefutable supporting evidence.
In addition, UK Home Office Type Approved products are regarded internationally as meeting external high standards of quality and integrity.
Where is the system in operation?
Take a look at the Current SPECS Installations map.
Is the data legally enforceable?
The Home Office Type Approval enables SPECS violation records to be presented as admissible evidence in UK courts.
Apart from its use as a speeding deterrent, are there any other benefits?
Yes. There are many other longer term benefits which will be possible once the SPECS systems are installed including increasing road safety and decreasing speed profiles, more accurate journey time information and other performance data and speed management benefits.
SPECS is effectively a traffic management tool. With a smoother, more controlled flow of traffic, multiple benefits can be achieved, including positive knock-on effects such as reduced engine emissions and a reduction in traffic noise levels. |
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