Geo2

Average speed zone

If you're a driver, you’ve probably seen them: yellow signs with a camera symbol, marking the start of an average speed zone. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Let's break it down. An average speed zone is a designated stretch of road monitored by a speed camera system to enforce speed limits. Unlike traditional speed traps that clock your speed at a single point, this system calculates your speed over a longer distance. This approach is all about encouraging drivers to maintain a steady, safe speed, which helps improve overall road safety and reduce accidents.

How an Average Speed Zone Works

The technology behind an average speed zone is straightforward but effective. It relies on a few key components working together to monitor vehicle speeding and ensure compliance with the law.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)

At the heart of the system is Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Cameras are placed at the entry and exit points of the designated zone. As a vehicle enters the zone, the first camera records its number plate and the exact time. When the same vehicle leaves the zone, the exit camera does the same.


Speed Calculation

Once the system has the two timestamps and knows the exact distance of the stretch of road, it performs a simple calculation:

Average Speed = Distance / Time Taken

This calculation determines the vehicle's average speed across the entire zone.


Continuous Monitoring

The real strength of an average speed camera system is its continuous monitoring. It doesn't just catch a momentary lapse in judgment; it tracks a vehicle's speed over a significant distance. This method of speed enforcement encourages drivers to stick to the speed limits consistently, rather than just slowing down for a single camera and speeding up again.


Violation Detection

If the calculated average speed is higher than the legal speed limit for that section of road, the system flags the vehicle for a violation. The recorded data, including the vehicle's number plate, the location, and the calculated speed, is then sent for review. If confirmed, a speeding ticket is typically issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.

How Average Speed Zones Help Drivers

For delivery drivers and logistics managers, these zones are more than just a speed enforcement tool. They create a more predictable and safer driving environment.


By encouraging drivers to maintain a steady speed, average speed zones help reduce the chances of accidents. This ensures the safety of everyone on the road, protects the goods being transported, and keeps drivers safe. Sticking to the speed limit also means fewer speeding penalties, which is good for both the driver's record and the company's bottom line.

How Geo2 Handles Average Speed Zones

At Geo2, we know that staying compliant on the road is crucial. Our route planning and optimization software is designed to account for average speed zones.


When planning routes, Geo2 considers these zones to promote adherence to speed regulations. This not only helps drivers avoid fines but also leads to more predictable and reliable delivery times. By building safer routes that respect speed limits, we help your team drive smarter, not just faster.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A regular speed camera measures your speed at one specific spot. An average speed zone, however, uses a speed camera system with multiple cameras to calculate your speed over a longer stretch of road.