A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed the most prolific speed cameras in Wales. According to Solicitors, Legal Expert, a map has been compiled showing the speed cameras that catch the most drivers breaking the law in Wales, with three of the top 20 cameras located in the country. The data collected from the cameras was obtained through a FOI request to all 43 police forces in England and Wales, with only 23 forces providing responses. The data showed that over 5.2 million speeding tickets were issued in the 12 months leading up to April 5. The most prolific speed camera in the UK was located on the A38 in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottingham, catching an average of 72 drivers a day. In Wales, the A48, Usk Way in Newport, topped the list, issuing an average of 24 fines per day. The A48 Western Avenue in Cardiff followed closely behind, catching an average of 22 cars a day, while the A470 Northern Avenue caught 17 drivers daily.
Wales is equipped with various types of speed cameras, including mobile and fixed cameras, some of which can also detect red light violations. The most commonly used speed camera in the UK is the Gatso, introduced in 1991, which uses radar technology to detect speed and capture two photos with a double flash to document both speed and registration. Another prevalent camera is the Truvelo, which faces forward and aims to eliminate excuses about the driver’s identity by capturing an image of the driver. Mobile speed cameras, often mounted on parked vans, pose another significant risk, capable of catching drivers from up to a mile away. The latest technology in mobile cameras is the Vector SR, which uses an ‘intelligent virtual grid’ within its box to calculate speeds discreetly using infra-red technology, even at night or in poor weather conditions. These cameras can also read vehicle registrations and detect other driving violations.
Overall, speed cameras in the UK are estimated to generate around £1 billion annually. The RAC has highlighted that without these cameras, the 1,645 road fatalities recorded last year would have been significantly higher. The Government believes that 20% of deaths are related to exceeding the speed limit, potentially saving over 300 lives. The minimum penalty for speeding in the UK is a £100 fine and three points on the driver’s licence, with varying fines depending on the severity of the offence categorised into bands A, B, and C. The maximum fine for speeding is £1,000, or £2,500 for motorway offences.