Frequently asked questions
We’re sure you’ll have some questions and if yours isn’t answered here, please contact us.
01.
What is an average speed camera system?
Updated: 14.04.2021
An Average Speed Camera System works out the average speed of vehicles over a certain distance. It uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to capture when a vehicle enters and leaves a defined stretch of road, and works out its average speed. Signage is used to advise drivers that they are entering and travelling through an average speed zone.
02.
What is the purpose of average speed camera systems?
Updated: 14.04.2021
Average Speed Camera Systems are used to encourage improved driver behaviour. They encourage road users to comply with the posted speed limit.
03.
When was the average speed camera system installed on the A77?
Updated: 04.03.2016
It was introduced on the A77 in July 2005, following recommendations by the A77 Safety Group. This was formed in 2003 and included representatives from Transport Scotland, Strathclyde Police, South Ayrshire Council, West Sound Radio, Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership and Amey. They worked together to encourage a positive change in the driving culture on the A77.
04.
What distance does it cover?
Updated: 04.03.2016
The current system covers 37 miles of the route from Symington to Girvan. This is a mix of single and dual carriageway roads, through both rural and built-up areas.
05.
How successful has it been?
Updated: 16.04.2021
Safety camera schemes are evaluated by assessing data from three years following the delivery of the particular scheme. This ensures that there is consistency of approach and that short term variations do not influence the overall evaluation of the impact. Since ASC have been deployed on the A77 there has been a 73% reduction in fatal casualties and a 57% reduction in serious casualties compared with the original baseline published in 2005.
06.
What has changed on the A77?
Updated: 14.04.2021
In April 2021 average speed cameras were depoyed on the A77 between Whitletts - Holmston - Bankfield.
As assessment, which concluded in November 2020, found that the national speed limit section of the A77 between Whitletts - Holmston - Bankfield met minimum safety camera site selection criteria. This was evidenced by:
- 10 injury collisions being recorded between 2015-2019. This included 3 collisions which resulted in serious injury and 1 which resulted in a fatality.
- Speed surveys, from autumn 2020, which indicated a persistent number of vehicles speeding on the section of road , including a number which were speeding excessively.
07.
Will the system detect all types of vehicle?
Updated: 14.04.2021
Yes. The system is flexible enough to detect and enforce speeds for all types of vehicles.
08.
Can it spot vehicles which switch lanes on dual carriageway sections to avoid detection?
Updated: 04.03.2016
The system monitors all lanes, so switching lanes will make no difference to its effectiveness.
09.
Will it work in darkness?
Updated: 14.04.2021
The camera technology on the A77 works 24/7 in all weathers and uses infrared cameras when it’s dark. This ‘invisible’ light means the roads don’t need lighting for the cameras to be effective and it is a safer way to operate the system.
10.
Who will operate the system?
Updated: 14.04.2021
The system is managed by the West Area Safety Camera Unit, which is part of Police Scotland.