SPECS
at Roadworks
SPECS average speed cameras are now a common sight during
roadworks on the UK’s strategic road network. The impact
of these cameras covers a large area, so the entire works
zone can be controlled, rather than just specific camera locations.
In addition, the stop start braking behaviour associated with
spot speed cameras is eliminated, giving smoother traffic
flows, increased driver safety and improved journey reliability.
 When
used in roadworks, a number of possible links will be configured,
with a driver typically passing a camera column every 2,000m.
These links can be configured to cover the entire works area,
a short section of works and across lanes. This reinforces
the deterrent effect of the system, creating a powerful influence
on drivers’ behaviour.
Vehicle speeds are controlled throughout the works area in
contrast to spot speed cameras which only provide effective
speed control at specific, isolated locations and can cause
sudden braking and additional congestion.
Compliance is typically very high, with tickets being issued
weekly in the hundreds against typical motorway throughputs
of one million vehicles, representing an extremely low violation
level.
Permanent SPECS
The first permanent SPECS cameras were installed in Nottingham,
shortly after Home Office Type Approval was granted in 1999.
Now, their use is widespread, addressing routes which had
a significant casualty history along a length of road.
Results from well established SPECS installations indicate
that killed/seriously injured (KSI) figures typically drop
by between 50 percent and 100 percent, combined with a low
number of enforcement tickets issued.
Current SPECS installations cover a wide range of road types,
from city centre 20mph roads to national speed limit trunk
roads. The length of installation also varies widely, from
300m to over 50Km. SPECS changes driver behaviour, so their
influence covers a large area, rather than simply at the camera
location.
The latest generation of SPECS time over distance cameras
can also be used to enforce 20mph zones, both as simple linear
routes, or across a network of interconnecting 20mph roads.
This approach allows unpopular humps and bumps to be removed,
leaving residential roads accessible to emergency services,
and safer for residents.
Integrated ANPR Solutions
Using experience gained from the design and operation of SPECS,
Speed Check is a turnkey integrator, offering consultancy,
design, installation, implementation and on going support
for a range of ANPR based ITS solutions.
 This
single supplier approach significantly reduces the complexity
and risk associated when taking an ITS project from initial
concept to roadside operation.
Speed Check work from a technology toolkit, combining Automatic
Number Plate Recognition, high-accuracy Count and Classification,
Digital Image Capture, Global Positioning System technology,
and bespoke software packages.
ITS Solutions include Speed Enforcement, Vehicle Access Control,
ClearZones, Overweight, Moving Vehicle Offences, Journey Delay
Advice, Vehicle Classification and more.
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When
Lafarge were a contractor on the M1 Jn 20-21, they
requested that a SPECS system was used.
Traffic Management was deployed on the M6 Penkridge project and SPECS average speed enforcement
was recommended.
Northamptonshire has been operating the SPECS average speed enforcement system since 2001.
Nottingham was the first Safety Camera Partnership to install a SPECS average speed enforcement system in 2000.
An 11km SPECS monitored Speed Control Zone along the length of the Stocksbridge Bypass.
Supplied
and also installed by Speed Check, a unique combined
speed and weight enforcement system.
A
project commissioned as an enhancement to the
National Driver Information and Control System
(NADICS).
The authorities in France recognised that there was a significant road-safety problem on its network of motorways.