Teesside’s A689 tops speeding chart as readers say ‘just stick to the limit’

The A689 at Wynyard saw 1,326 drivers caught speeding by Cleveland Police in 2024/25

Claire Elliott and Teesside Live readers 00:01, 08 Apr 2026

File picture of a speed camera van (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Speeding can lead to hefty fines, penalty points, or even a prison sentence, and every year thousands of motorists are caught across Teesside. Teesside Live readers have been debating how effective speed cameras really are [1].

A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed the 20 roads with the highest number of offences, with a busy commuter route once again topping the list in the Cleveland Police [2] area.

The A689 at Wynyard [3] saw 1,326 drivers caught during the 2024 to 2025 financial year. Parts of this route, which links Hartlepool [4] to Bishop Auckland and connects the A1M to the A19 [5], are limited to 50mph.

Although Cleveland Police does not use fixed speed cameras, mobile units are regularly deployed. While Wynyard recorded the highest number of offences, the fastest speed was logged further along the same road as is passes Greatham Village, Hartlepool, where a driver was caught doing 113mph in April 2024.

That stretch of Stockton [6] Road is classed as high risk under the Road Harm Index.

Last year, Lee John Oakley [7] was jailed for driving a stolen vehicle at more than 130mph on the same road, along with other offences. Elsewhere, a driver was recorded at 103mph on the A19 at Stockton in January 2025, while the highest speed at Wynyard reached 97mph in the 50mph zone.

Matrix Temporary Inspector Scott Pearson said many drivers continue to ignore warnings about the dangers of speeding, which puts lives at risk. He explained that high harm areas like the A689 near Greatham are targeted with enforcement and other measures, including reviewing road design and speed limits.

Speed limits on this stretch were recently reduced to 50mph and 40mph through Cowpen Bewley, with increased police presence aimed at cutting serious collisions.

If you are caught speeding, the registered keeper will receive a notice within 14 days and must identify the driver within 28 days. Failing to respond can lead to court action.

Drivers may then receive a fixed penalty or be taken to court. A typical fixed penalty is a 100 pound fine and three points, although some may be offered a speed awareness course.

New drivers who build up six points within two years can lose their licence.

If a case goes to court, fines are based on income and can reach up to 1000 pounds, or 2500 pounds on motorways, along with extra points or a driving ban.

Here's what readers had to say:

"Roads in Middlesbrough [8] that were perfectly safe at 30 are now set to 20, so it feels less about safety and more about raising revenue. The local authority doesn't help matters either, with poorly placed signs, especially repeaters, creating confusion for drivers. It can come across as deliberate, making it easier to catch people out.
And when it comes to the statistics being used, many feel they're selective or misleading, used to justify decisions that don't reflect the full picture. Where are the 20 zones in Thornaby [9]?"
"Another easy win for revenue from motorists. Speed alone isn't the issue, it's how people drive that really matters."
"Firstly, if you stick to the speed limit, you won't get caught, whether you agree with it or not, those are the rules.
The real issue is where enforcement is focused. The second highest location, the B1365, isn't an accident blackspot. It's a 40mph stretch between Bluebell roundabout and the Hemlington [10] or Coulby roundabout, and with current roadworks you'd be lucky to even reach 30mph.
It doesn't feel like a high risk area. Meanwhile, just a couple of minutes into nearby estates there are schools where speeding and poor parking are far more common, yet these areas don't seem to get the same attention. Stockton Road outside Goals or Macmillan is another example that people would expect to be prioritised, but isn't.
It's examples like these that lead many to believe enforcement is more about generating revenue than targeting genuine danger spots."
"It really is simple. Abide by the speed limits and Highway Code and so avoid penalties."
"I discovered a 100% totally free system for beating the traffic cams!!!
100% guaranteed. Same day delivery.
It's called DON'T BREAK THE LAW."
"All local Governments should have enough speed cameras to roll in the cash, not forgetting parking fines, to then reduce our Council Tax bill. Charge big fines, instead of peanuts."
"If you don't speed, you don't get caught. If you do, then you take the risk and face the consequences.
Speaking from experience, getting caught is often what makes people change their habits.
Law-abiding drivers generally aren't bothered by speed cameras, apart from the fact they help catch those driving irresponsibly."

Do you think speed cameras are actually improving safety, or just catching drivers out? Have your say in our comments section.[11]

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References

^ effective speed cameras really are (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Cleveland Police (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Wynyard (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Hartlepool (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ A19 (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Stockton (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Lee John Oakley (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Middlesbrough (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Thornaby (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Hemlington (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Have your say in our comments section. (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Here's more information (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ clicking here (www.google.com)
^ For the latest Teesside news direct to your inbox every day, sign up to our free newsletter (www.gazettelive.co.uk)