Slow Down Through M1 roadworks

Hertfordshire Safety Camera Partnership is warning drivers not to speed through the forthcoming roadworks on the M1 – as they will be caught.

Hertfordshire Highways and the Safety Camera Partnership are liaising with the Highways Agency to ensure that disruption to road users is kept to an absolute minimum. However, people should take extra care and allow extra time for their journeys while the roadworks are ongoing.

The widening of the M1 between junctions 10 (Luton) and 6A (M25) is due to start on March 21, and the speed limit will be reduced to 40mph. The 40 mph limit will be enforced by a time over distance (SPECS) system, and anyone travelling over the limit will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

SPECS uses cameras mounted on overhead gantries to measure the time it takes for cars to travel between two gantries a certain distance apart. Speeds are calculated from this and if they are too high, the vehicle’s details are processed and a ticket generated.

The cameras will be used to keep traffic moving through the roadworks and to protect the workforce and motorists.

“This is the first time SPECS has been used in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, but it has been used to protect workforces with great success in other parts of the country,� said County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Transportation and Environment.

“High levels of traffic use this section of road and any collision, however minor, will create congestion problems. The slower people are travelling, the more time they will have to react and avoid potential collisions.

“The speed limits are in place to protect everyone while this vital work is carried out and the cameras are there to ensure people stick to them.�

The speed limits and the cameras will be clearly signposted and the gantries will be moved within the roadworks as they progress. The works are due to be completed in December 2008.

Further information will be available soon on the safety camera pages of Herts Direct www.hertsdirect.org/safetycameras

Notes to editors:

For further information please contact Partnership Communications Manager Claire Hall on 01992 556801 or 07887 737047