It's alive and hiding from the PC brigade!

UKIP all over the TV today.

Could be interesting next May.

 

There would have to be a huge number of cameras for this to work - likely one camera at Edinburgh, one at Perth. 40 miles inbetween. Trip takes at least 45 minutes, usually more. Well within the 70 limit. Next camera likely to be at Inverness, 90 miles away - 1.5 to 2 hours - again, well under the limit (mix of 60 and 70).

Heavy traffic, roundabouts, roadworks, caravans etc etc all contribute to lower the average speed. On the bike I have to stop for fuel every 160 miles anyway, so again more time off the clock on a long trip.

In theory, shorter distances between major junctions down south would mean much greater risk of high between-camera averages, but there would be so many junctions needing covered, I can't see how it could be done cost effectively.

Cheaper to insist new car manufacturers fit GPS tracking devices/tachos to all new cars and use these to monitor speeding. You'd probably have the same coverage after 10 years than if you tried to set up a national SPECS system - but with most of the cost resting with the manufacturers.

 

Well, they already have ANPR rolled out pretty much across England and Wales (not sure about Scotland yet) so my guess is that if this is to be a reality, that's what it will be based on.
The Sgt. in charge of ANPR in Wilts. used to be my neighbour, even a couple of years ago they were capable of tracking a vehicle from one side of the county to the other via all motorways and major A roads and were still rolling it out.

So I have to wonder if the infrastructure is already there - the test will be when they remove the points system for a system of heavier fines, keep the populace driving but bring in pay as you drive under the guise of road safety.....