SPECS (Average Speed) Speed Camera
Average speed camera system using ANPR to calculate speed over a distance. Cannot be beaten by braking at camera locations.
Manufacturer
Jenoptik (Germany, formerly Vysionics)
Detection Method
ANPR cameras at two points, calculates average speed from time and distance
Flash
No visible flash
Speed Tolerance
Same NPCC guideline applied to average speed
How SPECS (Average Speed) Cameras Work
Pairs of cameras photograph number plates at entry and exit points. Calculates average speed over the distance. Uses ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition).
Key Facts
Does It Flash?
No visible flash
Typical Locations
Motorway roadworks, A-roads, tunnels, long stretches of dual carriageway
Count in UK
620
Detection Method
ANPR cameras at two points, calculates average speed from time and distance
How to Identify a SPECS (Average Speed)
- Tall poles with forward-facing cameras
- Always in pairs (start + end)
- Yellow housings
- Often in roadwork zones
Where to Find SPECS (Average Speed) Cameras
SPECS (Average Speed) cameras are most commonly found in the following areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do SPECS (Average Speed) cameras flash?
No, SPECS (Average Speed) cameras do not produce a visible flash. They use anpr cameras at two points, calculates average speed from time and distance without any flash unit.
How accurate are SPECS (Average Speed) speed cameras?
SPECS (Average Speed) 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 average speed
How do SPECS (Average Speed) cameras detect speed?
Pairs of cameras photograph number plates at entry and exit points. Calculates average speed over the distance. Uses ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition).
Where are SPECS (Average Speed) cameras typically found?
Motorway roadworks, A-roads, tunnels, long stretches of dual carriageway
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
HADECS3
Highway Agency Digital Enforcement Camera System. Used on smart motorways to enforce variable speed limits.
310 in the UK