‘Special’ speed camera warning issued for thousands of M6 drivers

Special cameras have clocked motorists at two junctions at an eye-watering rate of around 55 every day.

11:58, 11 Sep 2025

"Special" speed cameras are catching motorists and road users using the M6 at certain junctions. Special cameras have clocked motorists at two junctions at an eye-watering rate of around 55 every day.

The variable speed limit cameras are used when the speed limit is temporarily lowered, and in the West Midlands are between Junctions 7 and 8 near Great Barr; and between the M54 slip road near Wolverhampton and Junction 10 for Walsall[1].

Anyone who regularly drives on the motorway through the West Midlands will have seen temporary, or variable, speed limits displayed on overhead gantries at times of congestion. They will flash up 40, 50 or 60.

READ MORE Drivers in England face new midday to 8pm ban from September 21[2]

Variable speed cameras work in a similar way to average speed cameras, but they're unlikely to be in operation 24/7.

They tend to be used on smart motorways when the speed limit is lowered to ease congestion or in the event of poor weather or some other hazard.

The speed cameras are situated on the overhead gantries and the limit will be displayed on a series of signs.

National Highways has run communication campaigns to educate drivers how to use smart motorways, including the importance of always obeying red X signs.

Increasingly, Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) are also painted in orange to help drivers spot them, and there are more signs directing drivers to their next ERA.

But the RAC continues to argue for more changes to be made to smart motorways to make them as safe as possible, and to help ensure drivers feel safe when driving on them - especially on stretches of 'all lane running' smart motorway where the hard shoulder is removed for good.

National Highways has stated that: "If no special speed limit is displayed then the national speed limit applies.

"Speed cameras are in operation on smart motorways.

If you don't keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine."

References

1. ^ Walsall (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ READ MORE Drivers in England face new midday to 8pm ban from September 21 (www.birminghammail.co.uk)