New ‘ultra’ speed cameras hit UK roads to catch drivers who go over 20mph

A new “ultra” speed camera is hitting UK streets – and penalising drivers who go over 20mph^[1]. Go Safe – alongside the police – enforce the limit with fixed cameras and mobile vans in Wales amid a reduction of the speed limit to 20mph.

In August the monthly total for those caught speeding in 20mph zones hit 7,958. That was up from 5,199 in July – while April saw just 251 Notice of Intended Prosecutions (NIPs). Of the NIPs issued in 20mph zones in August, just over 7,400 were from fixed cameras. Of those almost a third came from one camera.

This was the camera placed on the A5104 at Pontybodkin in Flintshire. This is a VECTOR-SR type ultra speed camera which do not require painted lines^[2] on the road and use infra-red low-light technology, meaning they no longer ‘flash’ at speeding drivers. It caught 2,371 drivers – with the highest speed recorded 50mph, more than double the limit.

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Responding to the new speed limit, one motorist said: “In discussion with my friends and colleagues at various clubs and societies I’m a member of, there is no point in holidaying or even visiting Wales in the future. What’s the point of going somewhere to relax to only arrive home and wonder if you’ll receive a letter for breaking the speed limits.

“Some 20mph limits are only about 200 metres long in the middle of national derestricted.” A second said: “Of course you need safety on our roads, especially in in built up areas and in recognised accident spots. However you will not convince me that this isn’t just another money making scheme to soak motorists and bring in revenue.”

Another typed: “Whatever happened to the Green Cross Code and similar TV ads showing children how to cross the road safely. All gone. Motorists are now deemed to be totally responsible for pedestrian injuries or deaths. A one sided approach to road safety measures that demonizes drivers.”