Thousands of Drivers Mistakenly Fined for Speeding Since 2021
Since 2021, thousands of drivers in England have been wrongfully fined for speeding due to a technical glitch affecting variable speed cameras. The National Highways agency recently issued an apology concerning the situation, acknowledging that the issue stemmed from an “anomaly” in how their cameras interacted with speed limit signs.
Technical Glitch Overview
This error resulted in a delay of approximately 10 seconds, causing cameras to capture speeding violations even when limits had changed. For instance, if a speed limit increased to 60 mph, drivers might still see a 40 mph sign while the camera adjusted.
Statistics and Impact
- 2,650 wrongful speeding incidents have been reported since 2021.
- This translates to fewer than two incorrect fines issued each day.
- Over six million speed camera activations occurred during the same period.
- The glitch has impacted 10% of England’s motorways and major A roads.
- 154 out of 400 variable speed cameras across the network were affected.
Current Responses and Future Actions
National Highways has implemented a temporary solution to enhance data filtering from their cameras. This measure allows police forces to identify and disregard erroneous captures. However, no definitive timeline has been provided for a permanent fix.
Chief Executive Nick Harris emphasized the agency’s commitment to safety. He urged all drivers to continue adhering to posted speed limits and assured that those affected would be contacted by their respective police forces.
Roads Most Affected
The following roads are notably affected by this glitch:
- Smart motorways across England
- A14, particularly between Huntingdon and Cambridge
- A1 junction approaching the A14
As the situation develops, drivers are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any discrepancies they encounter with speed limits and camera interactions. El-Balad will continue to provide updates on this pressing issue affecting thousands of motorists.
