Copyright dailyrecord
The UK's most active speed camera has been revealed in a new study. The camera nabbed an incredible 24,311 drivers in the year ending on 5 April. This translates to 467.5 motorists per week, nearly 70 per day, or 2.7 every hour. Given that drivers often face fines of around £100, points on their licence, or the cost of a speed awareness course, it is estimated that the camera at the A38 Kings Mill Road East/Sutton Road junction in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, could have generated as much as £2.4million. The research, conducted by This is Money to uncover 'Britain's worst speed traps', examined over 7,000 cameras across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It discovered that the second busiest camera was located on the A6 St Margaret's Way junction with Ravensbridge Drive in Leicester. This camera caught 22,774 drivers, averaging almost 438 per week, or more than 62 per day. Interestingly, both are what are known as 'speed on green' cameras. This means they are positioned near traffic lights at busy junctions, making drivers who accelerate to try and beat a red light particularly vulnerable. The camera in Leicester was initially installed solely to catch red-light jumpers, but it has since been modified to also detect speeding motorists, reports Nottinghamshire Live . Rhydian Jones, a motoring expert at Confused.com, has warned drivers to be more vigilant than ever with the introduction of AI cameras. He said: "With new speed cameras being used to catch motorists driving over the limit, it's clear that this enforcement is doing more to make roads safer. "New dual-function cameras, originally installed to monitor red-light offences, can now detect speeding too. It's positive to see how technology continues to evolve with the aim of improving road safety, just like the AI speed cameras that have been piloted in parts of the country. Our latest research found that over 9 million drivers have been caught speeding in the last 3 years. "That's as the number of speeding fines in 2024 was 14% higher than those caught in 2022. While road safety is the top priority, it's important that drivers stay informed about how enforcement technology is evolving. "With mobile phone use at the wheel, even while stationary, now more easily detected by AI speed cameras, this is an opportunity for drivers to build safer driving habits. Not only to keep roads safer, but to cut down on unexpected motoring costs as well. "If you are fined for speeding, the minimum cost is £100 and 3 points on your licence. But in some cases, the amount can depend on your annual income, which band your fine falls into and how much faster than the limit you were driving. Using our speeding fine calculator will help you to work out how much you might owe if you are caught. "It's also important to contact your insurer to let them know about any points or fines. Make sure to declare these when running future quotes, as not doing so could affect the validity of your cover."
