National Highways fixes speed camera timing fault after drivers wrongly penalised with points and fines
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
National Highways is implementing a technical fix after identifying an anomaly affecting the interaction between variable speed cameras and roadside speed limit signs on parts of England’s motorway and major A road network.
The issue led to a small number of drivers incorrectly facing enforcement action for speeding when limits had recently changed. National Highways said there was, at times, a slight delay between the update of variable speed signs and the linked enforcement cameras, resulting in some vehicles being detected above a previous limit that was no longer in force.
According to National Highways, around 2,650 erroneous camera activations have been identified on affected routes since 2021. That equates to fewer than two incorrect activations per day. Over the same period, there were more than six million total camera activations on the impacted roads, with National Highways stressing that not all activations result in enforcement action, meaning the number of motorists penalised is lower than the headline figure.
The anomaly affects approximately 10 percent of the Strategic Road Network, which includes motorways and major A roads in England. National Highways said enforcement remains in place across the network and drivers exceeding speed limits can still expect to face prosecution.
A number of motorists on England’s strategic road network to have fines refunded and licence points removed following data anomaly
National Highways confirmed that anyone who received an incorrect penalty will be reimbursed, with licence penalty points removed where applicable. The organisation said it will take steps to remedy any incorrect enforcement action and that affected motorists will be contacted directly, rather than being required to make a claim.
To prevent a repeat of the issue, National Highways has developed a new data check designed to ensure drivers are not prosecuted incorrectly. It is now working with police forces on the implementation of this process. Policing activity on the road network will continue alongside additional safety measures, the organisation said.
National Highways apologised to those affected and said safety had remained its priority throughout, alongside taking swift action to identify the issue and correct any penalties that should not have been issued.
National Highways Chief Executive, Nick Harris, said: "Safety is our number one priority and we have developed a fix for this technical anomaly to maintain the highest levels of safety on these roads and make sure no one is wrongly prosecuted.
“All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force.”
