M5 Cameras

[GavGav]

Anybody know what those new contraptions on the M5 are? They are on the bridge just before Cribbs on the M5 Northbound, and again on the bridge after junction 15 for the M4. They look like 6ft poles with a small camera on the top, both sides of the carriageway, one over each lane.

I doubt they're speed cameras, but any idea what they are for?

[Moose.]

ANPR.

I've not seen the ones you're specifically referring to, but I've seen the type you've described on the M5 before

[Pints]

There certainly do appear to be a lot more of them popping up of late. Also between junctions 17 and 20 on the M4.
It seems like an awful lot of effort just to identify drivers sans MOT and insurance. Something else is afoot... now, where's that tin-foil hat of mine.

[MudSkipper]

I seen them installing them yesterday on my way home from work. Looks like theres a camera for each lane both north and south bound

[GavGav]

Presumably if they are ANPR cameras there will be a unit down the road to intercept offenders?

[Moose.]

GavGav said:

Presumably if they are ANPR cameras there will be a unit down the road to intercept offenders?

Not always. They can simply send a letter to the registered keeper (who will probably ignore it )

[mep12345]

Pints said:

There certainly do appear to be a lot more of them popping up of late. Also between junctions 17 and 20 on the M4.
It seems like an awful lot of effort just to identify drivers sans MOT and insurance. Something else is afoot... now, where's that tin-foil hat of mine.

The Police also use them to track movement of "wanted" vehicles and known offenders in specific circumstances and under issued warrants. They did this with some individuals who committed and armed robbery the other year via the permanent one on the A303 to catch them at Exeter. Note there is also a permanent set on the M4 between J17 and 18 (heading West) as well; and they've been there for years.

Main reason though is to provide evidence for prosecution of "driving without" insurance/MOT/Tax etc

[RVVUNM]

They are also on the ring road by jn1 M32. I was in a traffic que this morning parked next to one and it said something like "Count on us" on the side, so I think it's some kind of traffic counting system.

[chimtvr]

My dad was overtaking in the 3rd lane while towing a trailer.Yes i know its stupid and wrong however big brother sent the police to intercept him so i guess they are more than number plate checkers!

[Moose.]

These cameras were on the local BBC news last night. Apparently they're being used to monitor congestion over this summer (2009) with an eye to allowing drivers to use the hard shoulder (as on the M42) during busy times next year (2010). Can't find an article about it but here's one from January:

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Hard-shoulder-...

[optimax sniffer]

Hard Shoulder use - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8108921...