The latest research reinforces previous studies suggesting that the use of cameras monitoring average vehicle speeds improves traffic flow and safety. According to Speed Check Services which has been installing this type of equipment in the UK since 1999, analysis now proves that the traffic flow through an average speed monitoring section improves considerably. These cameras were initially installed to increase safety standards in sections identified as having serious risks, such as work zones.

The first applications for these systems in the UK were in permanent installations where a significant number of killed and seriously injured (KSI) collisions had taken place. Nottingham was the UK pilot site for this technology, where systems were installed throughout the City of Nottingham as well as further afield in the county, in a variety of locations from the ring road to rural routes.

A more recent installation on the M8 Junction 28 in January 2007 provided the opportunity for the evaluation of driver behaviour through a direct comparison between the use of ‘spot speed’ and ‘average speed’ systems.

It was noticed very quickly, that driver behaviour modified through the SPECS controlled zones, resulting in a low level of offences. The most recent phase of this project used the technology, and incorporated the identical traffic management arrangement of an earlier phase which utilised ‘spot speed’ systems. Using ‘spot speed’ cameras, delays of 10–15 minutes were experienced on the mainline M8 at peak periods and 30 minutes on the A736 which merges into the works area.

In the SPECS average phase, there were no delays on the M8 at peak periods and delays on the A736 reduced to 15–20 minutes. In addition, compliance levels ran at 99.8% with the average speed through the works area being in the region of 60.8km/h (64km/h limit).