11,180 drivers were captured by average speed cameras around major roadworks last year, compared to just 1,003 in 2010 and 734 in 2009. The cameras measure at two points to make sure drivers are not breaking the average speed limit, often set to 50 miles per hour.
Rodger Wantling from the Highways Agency could not explain the major increase in the number of drivers being captured by speed cameras across the M62, stating “The number doesn’t concern us. These cameras are purely for safety... from the Highways Agency’s point of view, we do not reduce limits unless we have to”.
Average speed limits and speed cameras have become common features around major roadworks on UK motorways after a number of roadworkers over the past few years.
However road safety experts believe that any camera that consistently issues tickets clearly isn’t having a positive effect and most likely has location or signposting issues.
Niel Greig, director of policy and research at the institute of advanced Motorists, said “The best cameras deliver lower speeds and fewer causalities without catching lots of drivers out.”
For a safe way of avoiding these sort of fines, take a look at Snooper’s range of speed camera detectors. Snooper has integrated speed camera technology with GPS satellite navigation to develop state-of-the-art systems which will alert you when you are approaching a speed camera.
[image credit: Adam Kerfoot-Roberts]
