‘Selfish’ drivers slammed as Exeter camera snares offenders

The high-tech speed camera was installed a year ago

Thomas Fair Community Editor 06:00, 02 Jun 2025

One high-tech speed camera has been used to issue nearly 4,000 fines to drivers over the course of a single year - and some people in the Devon Live comments section[1] are glad that the enforcement device is in place.

The device, on Alphington Road near Sainsbury's[2], was switched on in May 2024 and replaced an old red light enforcement camera at the junction with Church Lane. It's one of the busiest routes in and out of Exeter[3], and Devon County Council[4] says the criteria used for erecting it was based on a combination of police records of fatal and serious injury collisions, the measured speed of traffic and evidence of red light contraventions.

But a former roads policing officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, reckons that the camera issuing more than 10 fines per day on average risks damaging public trust[5].

Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety at Devon & Cornwall Police, added: "Since 2019 there have been seven collisions where people have been injured and five damage-only collisions in this area.

"We know speed is a major contributory factor in serious and fatal collisions. It gives drivers less time to react and significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a crash. Anything we can do to influence slower speeds, and subsequent reduced injury severity in a collision has to be a worthwhile endeavour."

Many readers are leaning on the side of the year-old camera.

Commenter Oldie says: "Those against speed cameras are the same people who complain about 20MPH limits or indeed any limit. Sadly there are far too many selfish drivers around who care not about anyone but themselves, and are prepared risk lives to get home or to the office 5 minutes sooner. They deserve everything they get."

Reader Charlie1028 writes: "It is really, super easy to avoid a speeding ticket or a fine for jumping a red light... don't go over the speed limit or jump a red light!

Traffic laws are in place for a very good reason and are probably some of the most common sense laws this country actually has. Motorised vehicles are potential killing machines, so we should use them respectfully and lawfully. It really isn't that difficult."

Skittmc says: "It's not a random placement to make money.

You know how much bureaucracy there is in local government, there's proposals and justifications and reviews before they get anywhere near installing something. They wouldn't put the camera there without good reason. Revolutionary idea, just don't speed and you will be fine?"

Spottginger writes: "What an excellent positioning!

Innumerable traffic violations occur throughout Exeter, and if such a minor installation at one of the most extreme entry points to Exeter can result in even a slight reduction in traffic offences, then please expand the use."

Stdavidecho says: "Nice to see more joining the ranks of the pro-law people. There is due process for changing laws etc., ignoring laws is not one of them. The cameras are fairly well marked. 'Overwhelming majority of road users in this area are staying safe and driving within the speed limits' - Good so this is working."

JB1001 adds: "Whilst I would say I hate the cameras in general, I still think people should be able to regulate their speed and avoid being fined.

If not, tough luck! Over the years, I've taken a couple of fines on the chin without feeling the need to moan about why they shouldn't be there!"

Have your say! Are there other problem areas in Exeter that could do with a camera like this?

Is the placement of this one justified? Comment below, and join in on the conversation[6].

References

1. ^ comments section (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Sainsbury's (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
4. ^ Devon County Council (www.devonlive.com)
5. ^ 10 fines per day on average risks damaging public trust (www.devonlive.com)
6. ^ Comment below, and join in on the conversation (www.devonlive.com)