REVEALED: A1(M) County Durham speed camera catches nearly 5,000 drivers in a year

The A1(M) at junction 61 at Bowburn is officially the county's speeding hotspot and a camera has caught 4,896 speeding motorists in 12 months, it can be revealed. According to data put together by Legal Expert, the motorway topped the list of the 20 roads where drivers have been issued the highest number of fines in the year ending March 2025. In total, Durham Police dished out fines to 35,366 drivers - and the highest speed was 133mph on the A66 at Bowes Moor in Barnard Castle in July 2024.

And while the A1(M) tops the list, the A690 in West Rainton comes in second place where 1,526 fines have been dished out. Here's the full list:

Durham Police said they will "never apologise" for fining speeders - pointing to fatalities that have taken place in the region. Strategic roads policing inspector, Andrew Howarth, said: "As one of the fatal four, we know that speeding, along with not wearing a seatbelt, using your mobile phone and driving under the influence, is directly linked to the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"In 2025 alone, we have seen 14 fatal road traffic collisions. This is 14 too many and dozens of families who have been destroyed by the devastating news that their loved one has been killed. Deaths that could have been avoided.

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"Speed limits are there for a reason and we will never apologise for targeting those selfish drivers who think it is ok to ignore laws that are in place to help keep all road users safe.

"We also know that those who speed on main A roads like the A1(M) are more likely to habitually speed on minor roads that are more densely populated which is why we strategically target certain areas and will continue to do so. "Many drivers caught speeding are also offered a Speed Awareness Course instead of a fine if they qualify and we would always rather educate these drivers to help prevent another tragedy. "Many more who flagrantly flout the speed limit are usually sent straight to court.

"Our message is simple: Just slow down."