HADECS3 Speed Camera
Highway Agency Digital Enforcement Camera System. Used on smart motorways to enforce variable speed limits.
Manufacturer
Redflex (Australia)
Detection Method
Multi-lane radar + rear photograph
Flash
Yes (rear flash)
Speed Tolerance
Same NPCC guideline, applied to the DISPLAYED limit (which may be variable)
How HADECS3 Cameras Work
Monitors up to 5 lanes simultaneously. Detects speed using radar and photographs vehicles exceeding the displayed variable speed limit. Integrated with smart motorway gantry systems.
Key Facts
Does It Flash?
Yes (rear flash)
Typical Locations
Smart motorway sections, mounted on gantries or verge-side
Count in UK
310
Detection Method
Multi-lane radar + rear photograph
How to Identify a HADECS3
- Small grey box, sometimes hard to spot
- Mounted on motorway gantries or small posts
- Often alongside variable speed limit signs
- Can be painted grey to blend in
Where to Find HADECS3 Cameras
HADECS3 cameras are most commonly found in the following areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HADECS3 cameras flash?
Yes, HADECS3 cameras produce a bright rear-facing flash when triggered.
How accurate are HADECS3 speed cameras?
HADECS3 cameras are type-approved by the Home Office and are highly accurate. The NPCC guideline allows a tolerance of the speed limit + 10% + 2 mph before prosecution. Same NPCC guideline, applied to the DISPLAYED limit (which may be variable)
How do HADECS3 cameras detect speed?
Monitors up to 5 lanes simultaneously. Detects speed using radar and photographs vehicles exceeding the displayed variable speed limit. Integrated with smart motorway gantry systems.
Where are HADECS3 cameras typically found?
Smart motorway sections, mounted on gantries or verge-side
Other Camera Types
Gatso
The most common fixed speed camera in the UK, named after inventor Maurice Gatsonides.
1,240 in the UK
Truvelo
A forward-facing fixed speed camera that photographs the driver. Unlike Gatso, it uses infrared flash invisible to drivers.
485 in the UK
SPECS (Average Speed)
Average speed camera system using ANPR to calculate speed over a distance. Cannot be beaten by braking at camera locations.
620 in the UK