Is there anyone visiting this site who works for NTL?
Can you confirm that come Monday you r switching on a data communication system down our motorways to connect a load of speed (Specs type) cameras with one camera between each junction. And if its not Monday when?
This is not a hoax, its a serious question.
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Stuart B wrote:
>
> Is there anyone visiting this site who works for NTL?
>
> Can you confirm that come Monday you r switching on a data
> communication system down our motorways to connect a load of
> speed (Specs type) cameras with one camera between each
> junction. And if its not Monday when?
>
> This is not a hoax, its a serious question.
Sounds like a "2+2=5" here.
There is a program to install variable matrix signs on major motorways.
This requires the installation of ductwork to carry the neccessary data
communications.
Fibreoptic cable will be laid in this duct to allow communication between
control centres and the matrix signs.
/John
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Matrix signs are only of use if the control centre can be bothered to use them.
Two were installed on the London end of the M11 18 months ago. I have only seen them used twice, once when they were used to warn of congestion in central London on Millenium Eve and one other occasion which was again relating to a central London event.
The section is well covered by cameras and I would at least expect them to warn of stationary traffic ahead, which applies most days, or that the North Circular is blocked by an accident, as on one day last week, or to remind drivers that that section is 50 mph, not 70, but they are invariably blank.
A total waste of money !
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I have to disagree somewhat with Brian here, the ones on the M1&M42 in Notts, Leics & Warwicks are superbly informative. But as you rightly say Brian, its all down to the control centre in the end.
BTW re traffic information, does anyone else agree with me that the traffic information on Radio Derby is totally and irretrievably pathetic. Its north of Watford in case you wanted to know. ;-)
They do not report the actual conditions in many cases, its more a case of reporting what the traffic is normally like. I *know* the A38 gets backed up to the University every morning, what I want to know is when its backed up almost to the A6, but just out of sight until you are past the exit. Grizzle grizzle.
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I work for various radio stations, although you'll never hear me speaking on one. They are quite dependant on people calling to give detailed information. I tried it once, (not mentioning that I worked in radio) and five minutes later they gave detailed information. Why not try it?
Tim
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Thanks Stuart, but you cannot disagree with a fact, and that is that the M11 ones simply are not used for months on end when they COULD be informative. And that is what makes those ones in particular a waste of money.
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Radio Derby appear to subcontract their traffic information. At one time it was to the AA and the guy appeared to be coming from a link with AA HQ in Halesowen. The traffic man, Peter Bates, also covered Stoke on Trent plus one or two others and was quite good although tried to fit too much in. However the information was reasonably accurate, informative and allowed you to make rational decisions about delays re-routes etc.
But now they have subbed it to someone else and it is total and utter b*****ks. What is more they know its lousy. Once I rang in a report on a serious incident which had just happened, and then rang in again when I was still sitting there 40 minutes and two traffic reports later and still no mention. The Derby staff apologised and said they were peed off with the service from this outfit as well, the word she actually used was hopeless.
But another thing just so R Derby do not get off the hook, at one time the studio would press the button giving the RDS traffic signal in plenty of time for your radio, (I keep mine on but volume @ zero), to detect it and switch on just as the traffic jingle was playing. Now they do it just in time to hear the last line and the sign off, wassocks!
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The M20 seems to have dot matrix signs at regular intervals but they never seem to use them. OK,just before Dover they might warn of delays etc. Mind you I don't use the motorway on a daily basis,but still quite regularly. Pray, why is this? Just cant be bothered to transmit messages I suppose. What a waste of money.They could be used to great effect ie. Fog warnings instead of the little signs in the middle of the motorways which most people think don't apply to them. Three weeks ago the overhead signs said "Watch your speed".
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