New speed cameras Sydenham Hill

[bobbsy]

Just noticed this morning that the single central speed camera (which alternated directions every week or so) has recently been replaced with twin cameras (so both directions now monitored), I believe the model in the link below:

http://www.speedcamerasuk.com/speedcurb.htm

The road has recently been resurfaced where the strips are painted on the road, so assume there are new sensors under the asphalt (as described in link).

I guess this is to start actually policing the 20mph zone?

[bobbsy]

Admin, for my info, why is this Lounge material and not General ED ?

[Administrator]

It's not in East Dulwich

[ruffers]

Is that a 20?

[LooseChippings]

That type of camera does not need road markings and does not flash.

It can be set to any speed

[bobbsy]

The link describes how that model works. There were various comments on the old 20mph threads that hinted the older cameras that were in place couldn't be reprogrammed to 20mph (no idea whether that was true or not), but the installation of twin cameras does suggest to me enforcement of 20mph is now game on!

[Administrator]

Road Name: Sydenham Hill

Direction of Camera: Towards Crystal Palace and Towards Dulwich

Speed Limit: 40mph

http://www.speedcamerasuk.com/database/GL/gl017.htm

[bobbsy]

Thanks Administrator, the link is a little outdated now.

[richard tudor]

bobbsy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> The link describes how that model works. There

> were various comments on the old 20mph threads

> that hinted the older cameras that were in place

> couldn't be reprogrammed to 20mph (no idea whether

> that was true or not), but the installation of

> twin cameras does suggest to me enforcement of

> 20mph is now game on!

Perhaps Cllr Barber could confirm or deny?

[Seabag]

20mph on that whole stretch of road now

V sloooooow it feels too, but.....hey hoo that's the law

[uncleglen]

To the 2 cyclists that almost mowed me down.....we are in a 20mph area

[ruffers]

richard tudor Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> bobbsy Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > The link describes how that model works. There

> > were various comments on the old 20mph threads

> > that hinted the older cameras that were in

> place

> > couldn't be reprogrammed to 20mph (no idea

> whether

> > that was true or not), but the installation of

> > twin cameras does suggest to me enforcement of

> > 20mph is now game on!

>

> Perhaps Cllr Barber could confirm or deny?

I believe that's way out of his ward, it might even be Lewisham and not even Southwark... The poor guy isn't omnipotent.

[BrandNewGuy]

Seabag Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> 20mph on that whole stretch of road now

>

> V sloooooow it feels too, but.....hey hoo that's

> the law

Well, it's not the law, it's Southwark's advisory 20mph borough-wide speed limit. So virtuous people are going to abide by it and those who speed are going to carry on speeding. Reminds me of the exchange from The Simpsons when Homer's asked for a 'suggested donation' for going into a museum:

Homer: What do you mean by "suggested donation"?

Clerk: Pay any amount you wish, sir.

Homer: And uh, what if I wish to pay... zero?

Clerk: That is up to you.

Homer: Ooh, so it's up to me, is it?

Clerk: Yes.

Homer: I see. And you think that people are going to pay you $4.50 even though they don't have to? Just out of the goodness of their... (laughs) Well, anything you say! Good luck, lady, you're gonna need it!

[bobbsy]

20mph feels vey very very very slow on the main roads of the borough. I am -trying- to abide by the limit...but am getting very sick of other drivers sitting as close as they possibly can, then roaring past at the slimmest chance.

I opined on previous threads that this has made the roads less safe, rather than safer.

[Salsaboy]

Is it an advisory speed limit or is it actually enforceable?

[peckham_ryu]

Salsaboy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Is it an advisory speed limit or is it actually

> enforceable?

100% enforceable, according to both Southwark and CPS websites. Police approach is to usually treat 20mph limits as "self-enforcing" rather than dedicating resource to catching people speeding, according to ACPO.

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/road_traffic_offences_guidance_on_fixed_penalty_notices/

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11918/20mph_speed_limit_faq

http://allpartycycling.org/2013/03/06/acpo-clairfy-their-position-on-20mph-speed-limits/

Personally I have no problem sticking to 20. I am finding myself embarrassed when I cross back into a 30 zone without realising, and unintentionally slow down traffic until I notice: the end of the zones seem to be indicated by just a single 30 roundel, which can easily be missed if you're behind a large vehicle. I'm often overtaken in the 20 zones, and almost always catch up to the overtaker at the next set of lights, so I don't think that 20 is really causing delay to journeys.

[richard tudor]

Rather depends on the road. Crystal Palace to bottom of Sydenham Hill/Horimans. Herne Hill to Denmark hill you feel like slitting your wrists.

Try driving at 20mph and remain understanding.

[spider69]

As a matter of interest I drove at 20mph along the route above on empty roads and yes I did feel like cutting my wrists at the end.

Can easily see how this will become a cash cow.

A very badly thought out scheme from start to finish.

[Mustard]

Is that Lewisham Borough?

[bobbsy]

No, it's Southwark.

[Earl Aelfheah]

peckham_ryu Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I'm often overtaken in the

> 20 zones, and almost always catch up to the

> overtaker at the next set of lights, so I don't

> think that 20 is really causing delay to journeys.

This is definitely true. When i'm on my bike it's really noticeably how many times you pass the same vehicle as it overtakes, drops back, overtakes, etc. Speeding from one set of lights to the next doesn't actually get you to your destination noticeably quicker.

[SebsC]

I drove along here this morning behind a double decker bus. It certainly wasn't doing 20mph and went through the speed camera doing 30mph. They obviously seem to think the speed cameras aren't set to 20.

[bobbsy]

Thanks for the info. Buses in general don't seem to concerned about the 20mph limit. I guess it conflicts with their schedules?

[spider69]

As they drive all day I would think they have a better idea of safe speeds than a Council Officer sitting in their office ticking P.C boxes.

No body yet has explained how this madness was included in the manifesto under healthy living.

[uncleglen]

I periodically travel through the Rotherhithe tunnel and most of the journey to the tunnel at 0945 is clear. Luckily I was behind a funeral cortege so there was no difficulty in keeping to the 20mph!