Camera not in use

[Sharky]

I've noticed a few times now, a sign which says "camera not in use".

What is the logic behind this. A camera is there to guide drivers to keep within the limit. But if the camera is not in use, is this something to encourage drivers to break the limits?

I'd have thought any camera, even dummy ones would be good at restricting speeds.

 

[fossyant]

Come to Greater Manchester - we've literally thousands of ULEZ ones that aren't in use. Huge waste of money.

 

[DCLane]

It's usually for roadworks that haven't yet started / finished but they haven't taken the camera down yet.

 

[briantrumpet]

Not as daft as the signs that say "Sign not in use" or the pages in band parts for musicals that say "Page left blank", in both cases the correct pantomime responses being respectively "Oh yes it is!" and "Oh no it's not!"

 

[Drago]

I see what Sharky is getting at. Why not leave them uncovered on the basis that their presence may slow someone down a bit?

Why do road criminals get helped out so much? After all, the police don't put a notice up for shoplifters saying "no coppers on duty in the high street today."

 

[CXRAndy]

Criminals don't have to, they know there are no police to catch them

 

[Willd]

This has been out of use since at least Sep 2014, according to Google maps, not that I'd be at much risk setting it off on my bike Not sure why it isn't removed, must be obsolete technology by now in any case.

 

[Drago]

This has been out of use since at least Sep 2014, according to Google maps, not that I'd be at much risk setting it off on my bike Not sure why it isn't removed, must be obsolete technology by now in any case.

View attachment 765811

Then ones on the other side do flash, although whether they otherwise work is unknown. Certainly folk slow down for them though.

 

[Alex321]

Not as daft as the signs that say "Sign not in use" or the pages in band parts for musicals that say "Page left blank", in both cases the correct pantomime responses being respectively "Oh yes it is!" and "Oh no it's not!"

I understand the "sign not in use" ones, as they are usually Motorway or trunk route matrix signs, and if they were blank you might take that as a positive sign that there is nothing to worry about ahead.

 

[Dadam]

I always assumed it was to prevent people making panic braking movements just before the camera, disrupting flow and risking collisions.

The only ones I've seen seem to be on those average speed cameras on temporary roadworks where there's usually a 50 limit. In heavier traffic having people panic brake from 70 (more likely 80-90) down to 50 is liable to end up with someone running into them. When they're operational there's usually a 50 limit sign well before the first camera.

 

[Marchrider]

nearly all the speed cameras in the borders are bagged and have "Not in Use" signs on them - just stupid, even if they can't afford the film it is still a free deterrent

wonder if it is all a forerunner for the police wearing tabards saying "Not in Use - don't bother me" - and similar signs on the patrol cars.

 

[Alex321]

nearly all the speed cameras in the borders are bagged and have "Not in Use" signs on them - just stupid, even if they can't afford the film it is still a free deterrent

wonder if it is all a forerunner for the police wearing tabards saying "Not in Use - don't bother me" - and similar signs on the patrol cars.

I'd be surprised if any operational ones still use film, they are all digital nowadays.

 

[Drago]

I always assumed it was to prevent people making panic braking movements just before the camera, disrupting flow and risking collisions.

If that were the case then why have any form of visible policing on the roads?

 

[Alex321]

If that were the case then why have any form of visible policing on the roads?

Mr Left Hand, please meet mr Right hand.

What do you mean, you don't talk to each other?

 

[Marchrider]

I'd be surprised if any operational ones still use film, they are all digital nowadays.

It was a tongue in cheek comment - they should just be set to upload data automatically - why they take them out of use is beyond me.

I was told by someone it costs police scotland a fortune to issue tickets, and fines go to Westminster