SPECS - average speed cameras on SPECS

SPECS - The Facts

SPECS - THE FACTS

What is SPECS?
SPECS is an automatic digital camera system measuring the average speed of vehicles. It calculates a vehicle's average speed between various points over a route. The system has a unique signing strategy informing drivers that they are entering an average speed control zone.

When was it first used in Scotland?
Minister for Justice, Cathy Jamieson MSP launched Scotland's first 'average speed' safety camera system, (SPECS), on Thursday, July 14, 2005. Since then the cameras have been used successfully in a variety of road projects.

Where is it used on the A77?
On the A77, the cameras cover a 32 miles stretch from Bogend Toll to Ardwell Bay making it the longest stretch of road covered by SPECS. The system has a unique signing strategy informing drivers that they are entering an average speed control zone.

Why use SPECS?
The system is a deterrent and is aimed at reducing excessive speed along the route. Road safety campaigners have commended drivers for their compliance with speed limits following the installation of the system.

Is it successful?
Figures have shown that, across the route, vehicle speeds significantly reduced immediately after the system was installed. Average speeds typically reduced by 5-6mph and the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit reduced by 80% or more in some areas.

For more information on SPECS visit www.camerascutcrashes.com

Expert Opinion
Jim Gilmour of Amey and spokesperson for the A77 Safety Group:
"The SPECS average speed camera system is an integral part of the Safety Group's co-ordinated approach in tackling road safety on the A77. Since the the Group was formed we've been working together to implement a range of education, enforcement and engineering measures to continually improve the safety record of this road.

Its encouraging to see that the vast majority of road users are clearly respecting the speed limit within the controlled zone, adopting the appropriate speed for the constantly changing nature of this route."

Kevin Delaney, Head of Traffic and Road Safety for the RAC Foundation:
"I have personally supported the use of average speed cameras on roads, or stretches of roads where the problem is spread over a wide area e.g. lengthy stretches of roadworks, and will watch the impact of SPECS on the A77 with interest."

Robin Strong, Ayr and District Advanced Motorists said:
"Ayr and District Advanced Motorists support the SPECS monitoring system and believe that it encourages drivers to think about safe speeds over the whole of the A77 and not just near a Gatso camera."