South Yorkshire - over 1,000 caught on speed cams on M1

Hundreds speed through roadworks
More than 1,000 motorists have been caught speeding through roadworks on the M1 in just four days.

A 50mph limit is being enforced on a 2.5mile (4.1km) stretch between junctions 32 and 33 near Rotherham while the safety works are carried out.

Speed cameras captured at least one driver travelling at 94mph in the zone.

The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership said it was unbelievable that so many drivers were ignoring the limit and jeopardising workers' safety.

"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it," said spokesman Paul Mason.

"We're going to have to process these offences because they've been captured but ideally we'd rather not have to. Slow down please."

They're clinging to the belief that speed cameras are an instant safety device
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed campaign

Paul Smith, of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, said a 2004 report into motorway safety during roadworks, on behalf of the Highways Agency, had shown speed cameras increased the number of accidents.

He agreed with the need to reduce the speed limit to ensure workers' safety but said using police patrols instead of cameras was far more effective in ensuring drivers stick to the limit.

"The degree of irresponsibility here is extraordinary," he said. "They're clinging to the belief that speed cameras are an instant safety device.

"I'm amazed that they're still using fixed speed cameras on roadworks on motorways because their own research shows they don't work."

The fines will generate more than £60,000 for the Lord Chancellor's office, from which South Yorkshire Police can reclaim expenses for installing the cameras and processing the fines.

'Respect the limit'

But Ch Insp Ian Bint said the 50mph limit had been imposed for safety reasons and not as a money-making exercise.

"We are not interested in issuing fines, we are just trying to ensure safety at the site of major roadworks," he said.

The safety and maintenance works are expected to last until September.

They include resurfacing the carriageway with low noise material, upgrading the steel safety fencing and repairing drainage systems.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/h...re/5153102.stm