2,650 motorists wrongfully penalised for speeding in the UK

2,650 motorists have been wrongfully charged with speeding fines and issued penalty points in the UK, due to faulty variable speed cameras operating on the M6 and some A roads. 

As a result, police forces will not be punishing motorists until it can be proved that these cameras are functioning correctly, according to reports. 

Motorists will be refunded and have points on their licenses removed, after the National Highways acknowledged there had been approximately 2,650 incorrect charges. 

Variable speed cameras operate when temporary speed limits are enforced on motorways, usually when there are busy periods of traffic or incidents. This includes the M6 in the West Midlands.

It’s been confirmed that a delay occurred between cameras and variable speed signs, and that’s what caused the incorrect speeding fines and penalties to be handed out. 

For example, the delay will have likely made the faulty cameras think that motorists were travelling at 60mph in a 40mph zone, without realising the temporary 40mph zone had ended.

A statement on the situation by National Highways Chief Executive, Nick Harris, said:

"Safety is our number one priority and we have developed a fix for this technical anomaly to maintain the highest levels of safety on these roads and make sure no one is wrongly prosecuted. 

“All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force.”

The faulty cameras are in operation only on some sections of motorways and A roads, which means motorists could still face penalties if they exceed the speed limit on other motorways.

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