New speed cameras in aciton yet?

I've read about new (digital) speed cameras being in the works, but I'm not sure if they're "live" yet. Basically, they can catch you coming towards them, as well as going away from, so they only need one camera to cover both lanes.

A couple of questions:

If they come in, do you reckon they'll try to make bikes carry plates on the front (otherwise they'd not be able to ID you).

Do the existing ones flash to scare/warn you when you're going towards them? Do they actually already work in both directions? Am I imagining it and they're actually flashing someone going the "normal" way, just happens to be at the same time? (I doubt the latter as one time there was definately no one there, the second time the other car was going pretty slow)

Twice now, on the same stretch of road, I've been flashed going towards cameras (only time I've been flashed). The first time I got no letter, the second time was only 2/3 days ago, so I'm waiting on that one. I was in my Pug 106 both times

I asked a similar qustion about a week ago.

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=17683

If they make us put a plate on the front, where the heck can it go on a naked bike. Surely not to that blade they used to have back in the 60's

Originally Posted by Mogs

If they make us put a plate on the front, where the heck can it go on a naked bike. Surely not to that blade they used to have back in the 60's

I thought they got rid of them because they were dangerous to pedestrians?

I've often wondered if they're still legal and if so, why don't more of the "small number plate" brigade put them on instead of a rear one?

You maybe correct they must be illegal, except for veteran bikes.

We won't let being downright stupid stop the British Government, they allow Rhino Bars.

Originally Posted by Mogs

You maybe correct they must be illegal, except for veteran bikes.

We won't let being downright stupid stop the British Government, they allow Rhino Bars.

Yes, theres a lot of Rhino hurds in Chelsea

Extracts from EU directive for powered two wheeled transport safety regulations...

From 1st January 2008, the rider of any powered two wheeled vehicle used on any public road within the European Community will be required to display a Unique Rider Identification Number (or URIN) in characters of a specifed typeface and size on both the front AND rear of the rider's safety helmet.....

... All motorcycle safety helmets intended for use on any public road within the European Community from 1st January 2007 will be of one solid approved colour (white, black, yellow or purple) with URIN of the specified contrasting colour for the helmet (see appendix 8 s.5(j) p 9.) It is anticipated that motorcycle equipment suppliers will absorb the additional cost of marking helmets at the point of sale. Buyers must provide documentary proof of their URIN to the supplier...

A motorcycle safety helmet intended for use on any public road within the European Community purchased prior to 1st January 2007 that is of an approved colour may have the URIN applied retrospectively at the expense of the owner.

A motorcycle safety helmet of more than one colour OR of a single colour that is not approved but that was purchased prior to 1st January 2007 may be used on a public road within the European Community after this date provided that a helmet cover of approved single colour with the URIN correctly displayed is worn over the top.

... Where a pillion passenger is carried and their position obstructs the view of the rider's URIN from the rear, then the pillion passenger must also display the rider's URIN on the rear of their safety helmet. They are not however permitted to display the rider's URIN on the front of their safety helmet as well. This is to aid the correct identification of the rider by law enforcement personnel in cases where there is a dispute as to who the rider is.

.....Helmet marking colour reference table:

Base colour /URIN colour
White/Black
Black/White
Yellow/Purple
Purple/Yellow

I'm glad to see that there is already growing resistance to this idea from motercycling pressure groups across Europe. An un-named spokesman from a well known biking internet community was recently quoted as saying:

So if my helmet is purple, my URIN must be yellow, these tw@s in Brussels are taking the ****..

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

I've read about new (digital) speed cameras being in the works, but I'm not sure if they're "live" yet. Basically, they can catch you coming towards them, as well as going away from, so they only need one camera to cover both lanes.

A couple of questions:

If they come in, do you reckon they'll try to make bikes carry plates on the front (otherwise they'd not be able to ID you).

Do the existing ones flash to scare/warn you when you're going towards them? Do they actually already work in both directions? Am I imagining it and they're actually flashing someone going the "normal" way, just happens to be at the same time? (I doubt the latter as one time there was definately no one there, the second time the other car was going pretty slow)

Twice now, on the same stretch of road, I've been flashed going towards cameras (only time I've been flashed). The first time I got no letter, the second time was only 2/3 days ago, so I'm waiting on that one. I was in my Pug 106 both times

2 points, remember all cameras have to be clearly marked and painted yellow. Some of the new ones are a bit small and high but are still yellow. So anything else you see isnt an enforcement camera (remember the worries about those signs on the M4?).

But anyway, I can confirm it is possible to make an old style GATSO flash when you are headed towards it. I used to get one to do this regulrly a good few years ago. On one occassion there was a hat wearing pensioner driving away from the camera at very low speed. He probably handed in his licence



And on the helmets issue

Lovely use of the word URIN in that ****-take You had me going for a second.