A technical issue affecting variable speed cameras on some UK A roads and motorways has led to thousands of drivers being wrongly fined for speeding since 2021, according to National Highways.
The anomaly stems from a delay in synchronisation between certain speed cameras and the roadside digital signs that display changing speed limits. As a result, some drivers were recorded as speeding after the limit had already changed, leading to incorrect enforcement action.
An investigation has so far identified approximately 2,650 false activations since 2021. While this represents a small fraction of the more than six million total camera activations on affected routes during that time, those affected were still subject to fines or penalty points.
Motorists identified as impacted will be contacted directly by their local police force, and eligible individuals will receive refunds and penalty point removals where appropriate. Authorities have advised that drivers do not need to take any action unless contacted.
Government Response and Further Review
The Transport Secretary informed the House of Commons of the issue, offering an apology to affected individuals. He confirmed that National Highways is continuing its investigation and has been instructed to review camera upgrades dating back to 2019 to ensure that any additional errors are identified.
In a statement, the Transport Secretary acknowledged the potential frustration caused by the incorrect fines and committed to an independent investigation to understand how the problem occurred and to prevent similar issues in the future.
National Highways also stated that steps are being taken to restore public confidence in the reliability of variable speed enforcement systems.
About Freeman & Co.
Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.
Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.
The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.
Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.
The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.
If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.
Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.
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Our Details
Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ
Tel. 0161 236 7007
