Skip to main content

Jenoptik cameras go live in Wales

Average speed camera scheme is designed to manage traffic congestion on M4
By Adam Hill March 22, 2021 Read time: 2 mins
System is supported by Jenoptik’s patented Vector IR ‘dark light’ illuminators (image credit: Jenoptik)

Jenoptik Traffic Solutions' average speed camera scheme has gone live on the M4 motorway in South Wales.

The cameras are part of the Welsh Government’s plans to manage congestion along motorway, a key link between England and Wales.

Authorities hope the initiative will also improve journey times, reduce the risk of accidents and improve air quality.

A total of 32 new SPECS cameras have been installed along the 15-mile stretch of the M4 through Gwent between junction 24 at The Coldra to junction 28 Newport West.  

Jenoptik’s solution monitors the number plates of vehicles as they pass fixed points on the network, then calculates the time taken compared with how long it should take if the vehicle was driving at the speed limit.  

Currently this is used for validation and enforcement checks - but prosecution notices will begin being issued to speeding drivers in the summer.
 
The camera system is supported by Jenoptik’s patented Vector IR ‘dark light’ illuminators.
 
Welsh Transport Minister Ken Skates says that the cameras are part of the country’s “clear objective to reduce emissions from the transport sector,”

Teresa Ciano from Go Safe, which is monitoring the data, says drivers on this section of the M4 "should see road safety and journey improvements".

Jenoptik deputy MD Geoff Collins says the solution "is proven again and again to deliver safer roads, more reliable journeys and reduced emissions".  

"Responsible drivers on the M4 can be confident that the cameras will help deliver a better journey thanks to a fair and accurate enforcement solution," he concluded.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • UK plans changes to AV Code
    April 20, 2022
    Drivers can view content 'not related to driving' - but mobile phone use still illegal
  • Why keeping count is so important for traffic management
    November 21, 2023
    Traffic engineers need to have multiple solutions in their toolbox to complete the most accurate and safe data collection programmes possible, explains Wes Guckert of The Traffic Group
  • Caltrans trials Xerox’s Passenger Detection System
    October 30, 2015
    Xerox’s Passenger Detection System has been trialled in California and compared with the state’s team of human counters giving some interesting results, as Colin Sowman discovers. Like others adopting high-occupancy and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for congestion management, Caltrans has faced challenges with compliance in what has been effectively an ‘honour system’ with drivers trusted to set their tags correctly or comply with the multi-passenger requirement.
  • C/AVs could mean cheaper roads
    October 28, 2019
    The safety benefits of C/AVs have long been promoted – but research suggests they should also contribute to cheaper roads. David Crawford investigates the potential benefits in infrastructure costs Building narrower freeway lanes to accommodate the enhanced route-tracking capabilities of connected and autonomous vehicles (C/AVs), running in platoon conditions, could result in cost savings of £0.5 million (€0.56 million or US$6.5 million) for every km of road length built. Such benefits could be secur