Some drivers have been incorrectly fined for speeding due to an issue with variable speed cameras in England, National Highways has said.
The government agency said it was implementing a fix to address an anomaly detected in the way some variable speed cameras interact with signs on some A-roads and motorways.
This has resulted in a “minimal number of people incorrectly facing enforcement action for speeding,” the agency said, as it offered an apology to those affected.
A National Highways spokesperson said, “The anomaly has meant there was, at times, a slight delay between cameras and variable speed signs, leading to some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding after the limit had changed.”
As a result, the agency said it had identified around 2,650 “total erroneous camera activations” on impacted roads since 2021, noting this was the equivalent of fewer than two a day.
It said not all activations were enforced, so the number of people impacted will be lower than this.
The agency said that over six million activations occurred on the affected roads during this time.
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The anomaly impacts just 10% of the Strategic Road Network, which is made up of motorways and major A-roads in England, according to the agency.
The spokesperson added, “National Highways apologises to anyone affected. They will be reimbursed and have points removed from their licence where relevant.
“Steps will be taken to remedy any incorrect enforcement action, and anybody affected will be contacted directly.”
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National Highways said it has developed a data check to ensure nobody will now be prosecuted incorrectly and is liaising with police on its implementation.
The agency said enforcement remains in place and anyone breaking the law could face prosecution.
It also said it will be increasing other safety measures, and police will continue to enforce speeding and other offences on its road network.
The agency said it would swiftly ensure that any incorrect penalties are rectified.
National Highways CEO 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. The relevant police force will contact everyone affected.
