OVER 17,000 motorists were hit by fines on one of the UK’s most notorious speed camera hotspots in the space of just eight months.
Locals even believe the tricky junction has been purposely set up to catch drivers out – in what some suggest to be a growing trend across the country.
Over 17,000 motorists were hit by fines on one of the UK’s most notorious speed camera hotspots[/caption]
Many even suggest these are set up on tricky junctions to purposely catch drivers out[/caption]
In a recent report by the Daily Mail, seasoned driver Brian Staples, who’s also an organiser for the Griffins Head Classic Car Club, points out England’s most prolific speed camera – located on the A38 in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
This camera has caught 17,498 drivers in just eight months – over 70 drivers a day – generating millions of pounds for the government.
Brian said: “This is a sneaky speed trap.
“Drivers are already confused by the road signs and lights, and this camera is just a money-making machine.”
It’s even suggested the junction is deliberately designed to catch motorists, as the road leading to the camera has a 70mph limit that suddenly drops to 50mph, and then to 30mph near the crossroads, with an average speed camera overhead.
The sudden changes, combined with 22 traffic lights, mean it’s easy for any driver to get caught.
It seems speed cameras like these are widespread across the UK.
Legal Expert, a law firm, has compiled a list of the most active speed cameras in Britain, with the one in Nottinghamshire in top spot.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that over 5.2 million speeding tickets were issued in the 12 months ending April 5, with an estimated nine million in total.
Nationwide, speed cameras generate around £1 billion annually.
Fines for speeding start at £100 plus three penalty points, but for serious offences, like driving over 100mph, fines can reach £1,000 and £2,500 on motorways, and lead to a driving ban.
Brian acknowledges the safety aspect of speed cameras, but he fears the particular one on the A38 is being used as a cash cow.
He also argues that drivers should be treated fairer.
The 76-year-old, who drives a classic Daimler Dart, said: “Drivers should be sent a warning the first time they’re caught.
“Hiding cameras or using confusing signage doesn’t make the roads safer.”
Motoring experts like Nicholas Lyes of IAM RoadSmart and Simon Williams of the RAC stress the balance between safety and enforcement.
Speed cameras can prevent accidents, but many drivers view them as revenue generators.
The RAC highlights that speed cameras have contributed to reducing road fatalities, with 1,645 deaths recorded last year.
The government estimates that speeding is a factor in 20% of deaths, meaning these cameras may have saved over 300 lives.
This comes as hundreds of drivers are being caught out scrolling on their phones or not wearing seatbelts in a recent trial of AI cameras.
The devices can “see inside your car” to check whether you are paying proper attention to the road as well as just measuring your speed.
Police forces across the country are participating in a test-run of the tech to see how effective it is at improving road safety.
Check out our interaction map to see where this new camera tech is being implemented.
Elsewhere, a new “sound camera” has been launched to catch noisy drivers who blast music and rev their engines too loudly.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is one of four spots across the UK where the new high-tech gadget is being tested.
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone’s driveway?
Serious offences, like driving over 100mph, can be punishable with fines of £1,000 and £2,500 on motorways, and even lead to a driving ban[/caption]
