Plymouth's 20mph speed camera caught 1,100 in a day

IN Plymouth, a speed camera in a 20mph zone caught over 20,000 drivers out before even being turned on. 

The camera was able to catch 1,100 road users in its first 24 hours, and 23,500 in total, Vision Zero South West reports. 

It was during a test period that the 1,100 in 24 hours statistic was achieved, and that, combined with the over 23,000 total has apparently caused alarm among police and the city council.

Vision Zero South West reports that the camera was introduced after local residents said they would prefer average speed systems over traffic calming measures.

In anticipation of the camera going live on 9 May, police Superintendent Adrian Liesk, the strategic roads policing head for Devon and Cornwall Police, said, “The results from the cameras’ test period are really troubling and drivers are obviously ignoring the clear 20mph signs in that area.

“Speed is a big contributory factor in serious collisions. Travelling too fast both reduces the time in which a driver can react and increases the risk of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision.

“The cameras on Old Laira Road will go live on Monday, May 9 so please take this as advanced warning.”

According to Vision Zero South West, the camera system was placed at the cost of £230,000, with £190,000 of that covered by the Department for Transport’s active travel fund.

For small infringements, a speed awareness course will be the punishment for exceeding the 20mph limit. In comparison, slightly more egregious excession of the limit will get you a £100 fine. On a downhill road, that sounds like easy money.