average speed cameras
The use of average speed cameras in the UK is growing at a rapid rate in order to force drivers to obey the speed limit laws. They are intended to be a deterrent for drivers that ha tve figured out that the police are not likely to prosecute the drivers that drive under 85 miles an hour on the roadways. Additionally, the average speed cameras are not able to be beaten by simply slowing down when the camera is seen.
The average speed cameras don’t work like other kinds of cameras. They work in pairs or in tandem with another speed camera and cover several miles of roadway. A vehicles plate number is recorded by the first camera and then again by a second camera. The time it took to travel between the two cameras is calculated to determine the average speed that the care was travelling at.
The Department of Transport has undertaken the monumental task of having average speed cameras installed in a variety of places that they were not set up before. They will be installed along the 500 miles of motorway where the hard shoulder is being converted to a running lane. The speed limit along this stretch of motorway will be reduced from 60 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour. Motorists can expect to see cameras and signs that are clearly posted.
Are average speed cameras safe?
Even though a number of motoring organizations and road safety groups support the use of the cameras, there are critics that claim that the cameras are detrimental to safety because drivers will brake suddenly when they see the cameras and realize that they are speeding. The sudden braking can contribute to the cause of rear end collisions. Additionally, other drivers might become irritate by drivers that are driving cautiously and staying within the posted speed limits. Frustrated drivers have the potential for following too closely which can be dangerous if the driver they are tailgating suddenly stops. Camera critics also maintain that drivers will be paying too much attention to the speedometer and may not be as aware of conditions around them, such as a child darting out in front of them.
Is there a way to beat the cameras?
It is possible to beat the cameras, depending on how far apart the cameras are from each other. Since each pair of cameras is trained to monitor just one lane, it is possible to thwart them by changing lanes. It is also possible to speed up and then slow down within that 10km stretch so that the average speed will be calculated at a rate that is below the posted speed limit.
Are they a good idea?
These cameras definitely have a number of critics and many people think they pose a danger as discussed above. However, proponents state that motorists will eventually get used to the average speed cameras and accept them. They say they will stop trying to beat the cameras and simply slow down which will result in safer travelling conditions and smoother overall traffic flow.
