Smart motorway speed cameras offer 60-second grace period

DRIVERS using smart motorways have 60 seconds to cut their speed after a reduced variable limit is displayed on the overhead gantry before cameras start enforcement, Auto Express can exclusively reveal.

Responding to a Freedom of Information request asking what the gap is between a variable speed limit change and cameras beginning enforcement on smart motorways, Highways England – the Government-owned company that runs England’s Strategic Road Network of motorways and major A-roads – told us, “Following a change in the speed displayed by signals there is a 60-second ‘grace period’ before HADECS3 cameras start enforcement, giving time for drivers to adapt to the new mandatory speed limit, especially when speed limits are reduced due to slow-moving or queuing traffic up ahead.

“This gives drivers time to slow down and reduces the need for braking sharply.”

Smart motorways have a default speed limit of 70mph, but Highways England is able to lower the limit to 60, 50 or 40mph if operatives deem it necessary. When this happens, the new limit is displayed on overhead gantries and enforced by HADECS3 speed cameras.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, commented: “This discovery will reassure drivers passing under motorway gantries just as they’ve reduced the limit that a nasty letter won’t be in the post. A 60-second grace period seems sensible and allows more than enough time for drivers further back to slow down safely.”