National Highways has apologised to motorists with up to millions of speeding tickets set to be overturned after a major speed camera error. Experts revealed that they were taking action after an anomaly was detected in some variable-speed cameras across the UK.
There were concerns around how the variable cameras interact with signs on some A roads and motorways, with some motorists unfairly penalised for speeding. National Highways said the issue had led to more than six million activations on roads. But, there were likely to be around 2,650 erroneous camera activations since 2021.
A statement read: “National Highways apologises to anyone affected. They will be reimbursed and have points removed from their licence where relevant. Steps will be taken to remedy any incorrect enforcement action, and anybody affected will be contacted directly.
“National Highways has developed a data check to ensure nobody will now be prosecuted incorrectly and is liaising with police on its implementation.”
National Highways stated that the anomaly was a slight delay between the roadside cameras and the variable speed signs installed nearby. This meant that some drivers had been incorrectly detected as speeding after the variable speed limit had been changed.
Under the rules, drivers are allowed a 10-second grace period to slow down and adjust to the new speed limits. However, it is believed that motorists were given no grace period whatsoever after the speed limits changed, allowing many to be caught off guard.
It is believed that as many as 40% of cameras fitted on motorways and A roads may have been affected by the fault. However, National Highways stressed that the anomaly has affected just 10% of the Strategic Road Network, comprising motorways and major A roads. They also admitted that not all activations are enforced, so the true number affected would be lower than six million.
National Highways confirmed they were implementing a fix to quickly solve the issue. They also confirmed the group would work swiftly to ensure that any incorrect penalties were rectified.
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.”
