 Traffic flow through a SPECS speed control section improves considerably, resulting in a safer, smoother and more reliable journey
SPECS3, the first distributed average speed camera system can now go live. The long wait is over and SPECS3 has received its full Home Office Type Approval. This means that the latest in average speed enforcement technology can be applied on the UK road network.
SPECS3 allows a network of cameras to measure the average speed of vehicles between camera locations, covering simple sections of road or area based networks. This delivers a far more flexible solution than earlier generations of SPECS, allowing distributed cameras to communicate with each other. Due to simplified installation and advances in technology, SPECS3 solutions are now considerably more cost effective, presenting road safety professionals and highway designers a powerful new tool that can be rapidly configured and installed.
Traffic flow
Remote video cameras continually monitor traffic as it passes, routinely sending number plate data back to a remote central server. If a vehicle is detected as travelling above the Police threshold between two valid camera locations, images are retrieved and an offence file is created. This offence file will then be viewed by an operator, before any further action is taken.
Traffic flow through a SPECS speed control section improves considerably, resulting in a safer, smoother and more reliable journey. Vehicles can merge and diverge more easily, allowing drivers to enter or leave the carriageway without speeding up or slowing down to find a gap. The overall result is a conveyor belt type flow, with uniform speeds, little braking, larger headways, fewer collisions and reduced emissions. This delivers safer, more reliable journeys for all road users, whilst maximising throughput on roads with a high traffic volume.
Greater control
In the past, cameras were paired, meaning that an entry camera was physically connected to an exit camera – possibly in a different lane some kilometres away. This delivered the desired control on driver behaviour and safety, but it did limit how the cameras could be installed and configured. For example, the cost to duct and install fibre optic cabling through a city centre could dwarf all other costs in a project. These costs meant that many worthy projects didn’t make it off the drawing board, even where there was a significant casualty history along a length of road.
Another limitation was the requirement for a dedicated link between two camera locations, reducing the length, or area of road that could be monitored. Typically, installations would be one dimensional links along straight sections of road of between 3km and 4km; this would address problems on one particular route, but the beneficial impact could not be spread over a wider area. In removing the need for camera to camera cabling, every camera unit can be positioned exactly where it is needed, rather than where cabling could easily be run. Immediately, this allows a network, or web of cameras to be configured, covering as large an area as is required.
Where can we expect to see SPECS3 technology in future? Rural and inter-urban routes, controlling driver behaviour and speeds over lengths or areas of road, particularly where collisions and casualties have occurred. 20mph Zones, using a distributed network of cameras at key locations; the calming effect of SPECS can be applied across an urban area, improving safety and flows whilst reducing emissions and noise. Congestion Management schemes, allowing better utilisation of busy roads without the need for significant engineering improvements.
SPECS3 has been developed by Speed Check Services, the global leader in the development of average speed enforcement technology. With over 250 delivered schemes, no other supplier has the wealth of specialist experience and knowledge to manage the design, installation and ongoing operation of average speed enforcement solutions.
For more information
Geoff Collins, Sales & Marketing Director, Speed Check Services.
E-mail:
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Web: www.speedcheck.co.uk
Tel: 01276 698 980 |
