Almost 50% of speed cameras across England and Wales are not in operation, newly published data suggests.
Road Angel made a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, to analyse how many fixed speed cameras are inactive in each region.
The FOI request to the DfT revealed the data from a one-off exercise in 2021 which acquired data from 26 of 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. The data was given for the situation as of 1 November 2021.
The request revealed 46% of fixed speed cameras, from areas that responded, were not working on that date.
Road Angel says this means thousands of motorists who break the limit won’t be caught.
The request also showed that all eight fixed speed cameras in Northamptonshire were inactive while Gwent in southeast Wales only had one active speed camera out of the 31 in place.
Derbyshire has more speed cameras out of action than any other region (93), with only 20 of the 113 across the county capable of catching speeding motorists.
Derbyshire (113), Essex (110) and Devon & Cornwall (110) are the regions across England with the most speed cameras – each having at least 40% incapable of catching speeding drivers.
Only two areas had all speed cameras working – Dyfed-Powys in Wales, and Suffolk. Both of these police forces have just four devices.
The West Midlands had only 5% of their speed cameras standing inactive, with 62 out of 65 devices in operation.
Road Angel is urging UK police forces, councils and the Government to ensure speed cameras are fully operational in order to catch speeding motorists.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said: “It’s shocking to see how many speed cameras across the country are standing inactive and are letting speeding motorists get away with driving dangerously.
“In total with all of the police forces who responded to our Freedom of Information request, there are 1,069 fixed speed cameras across the country. Out of this, there are 496 inactive speed cameras.
“This means that almost half of speed cameras on our roads are out of operation (46%).
“We are urging local authorities and police forces to ensure speed cameras are fully working to catch speeding motorists who may be driving recklessly by breaking the limit.
“This in turn will help to reduce the number of dangerous drivers and help to keep our roads safer for everyone.
“As it stands, speeding on the road is a contributing factor for 25% of fatalities – and motorists who break the legal limit need to be penalised so they further recognize the importance of sticking to the speed limits.
“However, with such high numbers of inactive devices, thousands of drivers are getting away with speeding every day.
“The UK police force, councils and the Government must take action on making sure these fixed speed cameras are fully operational.”
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