National Highways variable speed camera anomaly
Drivers do not need to take any action at this stage.
National Highways has confirmed an anomaly has been identified in the way some variable speed cameras interact with signs on some A roads and motorways.
This has resulted in a very small number of people incorrectly facing enforcement action for speeding.
The anomaly has meant there was at times a slight delay between cameras and variable speed signs, leading to some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding after the limit had changed.
As a result, National Highways have identified approximately 2,650 total erroneous camera activations on impacted roads since 2021, which is the equivalent of fewer than 2 a day.
Anybody affected will be contacted directly by the relevant police force. They will be reimbursed and have points removed from their licence where relevant.
If you think you have been affected by this please wait to be contacted directly. You do not have to take any action at this stage.
Find out more information about the anomaly on the National Highways website.
How many people are affected?
National Highways have identified approximately 2,650 total erroneous camera activations on impacted roads since 2021, which is the equivalent of fewer than 2 a day. National Highways are continuing their investigations.
To put this in context, during the period since 2021 there have been more than 6 million activations on the impacted roads. Not all activations are enforced, so the amount of people impacted will be lower than this. This anomaly impacts just 10% of the strategic road network, which is made up of motorways and major A-roads in England.
Driving on the strategic road network
National Highways is the government company charged with operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A roads. It aims to ensure our major roads are more dependable, durable and – most importantly – are safe.
Driving on motorways
Whatever part of National Highways’ network you’re driving on, we want you to stay safe and know what to do if anything goes wrong.
See the National Highways website for more information on:
Who uses the data?
While National Highways supply vehicle speed detection equipment on our roads, they are not a law enforcement authority. Speed limits are always enforced by the police. Therefore, all data and evidence of speed infringements which is collected by NH speed cameras is sent directly, securely and exclusively to the relevant police force. After examination of the evidence the police will decide upon the most appropriate prosecution action.
Road safety
Drivers should abide by the speed limit.