More than 16,000 vehicles caught in A338 average speed zone last year

A freedom of information request published by Dorset Police has revealed that 16,420 vehicles were caught speeding by the average speed cameras on the A338 Spur Road in 2024, and so far this year. Average speed cameras measure the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between two points on a road, and the machines at Spur Road were installed in 2019. Each day, an average of 40,000 cars pass through the average speed cameras on this section of the A338.

And, for the period highlighted in the freedom of information request, an estimated total of vehicle movements, as stated by the police, has been 23,160,000. This means approximately 0.07 per cent of cars were caught speeding in this zone, and 99.93 per cent of drivers adhered to the limits. READ MORE: 'It's a joke': Reduced train services leaves passengers late for work[1]

A spokesperson from Dorset Police has said: "Dorset Police, along with its partners in Dorset Road Safe, will always do its best to make a positive contribution to safer roads and pursue motorists who endanger our road networks. "Driving at excessive speed not only puts yourself in danger, but it also endangers other road users and increases the risk of a collision occurring. Not only that, the consequences of any collision are also likely to be more significant if the speeds involved are higher.

0.07 per cent of drivers in the average speed zone are caught(Image: NQ) "The partnership is grateful for the support of the huge majority of road users who drive within the law." Dorset Police states that the minimum penalty for speeding is a fixed penalty fine of ?100 and three points added to your licence.

Receiving 12 or more points within three years may disqualify you from driving. If you're a newly qualified driver and receive six points during the first two years after passing your test, your licence will automatically be cancelled (revoked). To get it back you'll need to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical tests again.

Within 14 days of your vehicle being caught speeding the registered keeper will be sent a:

Notice of Intended Prosecution
Section 172 notice

They, or in the case of a company vehicle, the company secretary, must return the notice within 28 days telling the police who was driving the vehicle.

References

^ 'It's a joke': Reduced train services leaves passengers late for work (www.bournemouthecho.co.uk)