Speed camera near Aberdeen branded ‘cash cow’ amid surge in drivers over limit

The Press and Journal reports^[1] that a new speed camera on the A944 has been branded a “cash cow” in response to a survey which found more than two-thirds of drivers exceed the 40mph speed limit.

Police have confirmed that 928 vehicles were travelling at least 15% more than the limit, with 67.7% over speed limit overall.

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The force does sit with speed guns in the area but can only “cover a limited number of hours per week”.

However, locals have argued that such statistics show the road should support a higher speed limit.

One person commented: “If two-thirds of drivers were speeding then clearly the majority of road users are of the opinion it should be rated higher, but then that doesn’t work as a cash cow for the council.

“I thought it had to be proven that it was a high-risk crash area before they could install speed cameras.”

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Another reader echoed those thoughts, saying if two-thirds of drivers were breaking the limit then “maybe the council have got the limit set wrong”.

A third added: “Ridiculous to have a 40mph limit in the first place. It’s a dual carriageway running through the countryside.”

However, some others felt the opposite with one local resident saying they “hope they put cameras on both sides”.

A second person commented: “About time. So many speeders. Shocking.”

The National has approached Aberdeen City Council for comment.