Sat Nav

[Bazile]

-Do they warn you when you are entering an average speed camera zone ?

-Do they have to have a route programmed in to warn you of a speed camera / average speed camera zone OR do you get s warning simply by it being switched on ?

[douglas9401]

They'll warn of whatever devices are put onto the database, maybe not of average speed cameras but generally display the speed for the road you're on with audible and on-screen warnings with a different tone if you're over speed.
It pays to keep them updated.

[ubasses]

I think most have camera warnings these days, we had to go into the settings and switch on all the warnings we wanted. So all average speed camera warnings are advised, but stand alone cameras will only get a warning should we we go over the speed limit as we approach them. A picture of the camera appears on the screen every time.

[Buenchico]

Some satnavs have access to a daily updated database of camera locations (including roads covered by average speed camera) but they often require you to pay a subscription to use the service. e.g. https://www.garmin.com/uk/extras-camera-alerts

Once you've paid your subscription, the satnav will give you a warning when you're approaching a speed camera area, irrespective of whether you're using it to plan a route or not.

[Bazile]

Thanks all

What is a variable camera?

and a red light 'speed' camera

[douglas9401]

Variable cameras are linked to gantry signals in areas like smart motorways where the normal speed limit is over-ridden by that notified on the matrix signs.

Red light cameras look for drivers jumping the lights, usually sited at busy and accident prone junctions.

[Buenchico]

Red light speed cameras detect BOTH whether you've crossed the white line when the light was showing red AND the speed at which you crossed the line (irrespective of what colour light is showing).

Variable speed cameras are those in use where variable speed limits apply (e.g. on the M25 at busy times).

[Bazile]

Why would they need to know at what speed you ran a red traffic
light ?

[Buenchico]

They're doing TWO jobs, Bazile.

They act BOTH as normal speed cameras (which just happen to be positioned at junctions controlled by traffic lights), checking on the speeds of ALL motorists (and not just those who jump the lights) AND as 'light jumping' cameras too.

However there can be a connection between speeding and jumping traffic lights because many drivers accelerate to try to 'beat the lights':
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/inkersall-van-driver-killed-61-year-old-pedestrian-in-eckington-after-speeding-through-traffic-lights-487653

[Bazile]

Thanks