Top Gear and speed cameras
 

Clarkeson said they are flashing up congestion ahead signs on the M25 around Heathrow when there is no congestion, the result is the speed cameras are automatically activated.
So there you are on this nice open road and see the congestion sign and think, "can't be, must be a mistake" and continue on straight into the activated speed camera. As I write this today's MCN article about reducing the tollerance to 10% +2mph and not telling anybody came to mind. Talk about dirty tricks. Its an unwritten law that 80 is OK on a motorway but now they will nick you for it. The moral is I suppose keep to the speed limit but they know nobody drives at a constant speed and it varies up and down and they will catch you sooner or later and safe, non road hog drivers and riders rack up big points until they are off the road. As far as they are concerned one more vehicle off the road is a success.

I think both clarkson and mcn are talking crap.

I though that the restricted speed cameras on the m25 are activated and will take picutres of people doing over 85 when no lower restriction is in force. I doubt that they delibaritley turn on the speed restriction to catch people, i probaly more to do with computer/user error.

And as for MCN they i would take anything they say with a bukcet of salt, next week will probaly be about biking being banned by 2007.

Sadly I think Clarkson was telling the truth - or should I say sadly I would not be surprised if he was telling the truth!

I thought they had to display a change of speed limit sign on either side of the carriageway to be able nick you. The limits shown above each lane on a motorway are just a recomendation, aren't they?

You try telling that to the cameras. The ones on that M25 stretch are legal speed limit signs, having a white background within a red circle (I think). Thinks: have they got a white background? Certainly got a red circle :-k

They have a red circle and white numbers on a black background.

Just got off the M25, still riding now in factaaaaaaaaargh (crash).

It will all be academic in a few years when the on board micro chip takes over road police duties.Then the spy in the sky will know exactly how fast you are going at all times,and it will be compulsory to have one fitted.Big Brother will be everywhere,so enjoy what's left of your freedom while it lasts.Me?I'll either leave this country when that happens or join "Le Resistance".---Hello Hello :shock:

I read an article about how they want to slow everybody down on the motorways. Supposedly any speed above 70MPH has a detrimental effect on fuel consumption and then more emissions are produced. Some egghead had worked it out and suggested it at some bloody meeting full of government folks getting fat off tax payers money.

It's 56mph for *most* cars. It's been around for a while. And if you try it it does work. However you also die of bordem...

However, they make money from me using 10% more fuel to go a few mph faster so wy should they care? I get taxed for my choice of speed.

I thought 56MPH was the old spec that the yankees used to decide their new speed limit way back when?