Locals are complaining online after a speed camera was installed on a street surrounded by shrubbery – with the device dishing out 6000 fines in just two months
A pesky speed camera has been riling up locals after 6,000 fines were dished out to unsuspecting motorists travelling through the area. Some have even dubbed the device as being Britain’s “most lucrative” one.
Located on Ashburton Road in Newton Abbot, Devon, the camera was first turned on in August. By October 10, nearly 6,000 speeding offences in the zone had been recorded – with many more thought to have been amassed over the three months. The area, which is a 30mph zone, is filled with shrubbery, which the camera is hidden by.
Locals say the warning sign is not clear enough to distinguish the device and have taken to Facebook to express their frustration.
The group in question was named A383 Ashburton Road speed camera victims by the creator. In there, several have shared their speeding horror stories.
One driver wrote: “Just had 4 fines. 2 in one day! I didn’t see the sign for camera… I will lose my licence. Can anyone help with advice. I’m heartbroken.”
Another added: “I would like to think that I am safety conscious… However got caught here twice in one week.”
A third rallied the others users: “We should all get together and fight this… as a group we might stand a chance.”
A fourth driver noted: “This has got to be the most lucrative speed camera anywhere. Outrageous.”
Despite this, Devon and Cornwall Police has defended the speed camera, pointing to nine injury collisions on the road between 2019 and 2023, including three serious crashes.
In a joint statement, the force told Plymouth Live: “Nine injury collisions were recorded on this section of the A383 Ashburton Road between 2019-2023, which included three serious collisions. Seven of these collisions, including all three serious collisions, involved injuries to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
“The safety camera was installed because of this history of injury collisions, and because of the findings of subsequent traffic speed surveys which identified that typical traffic speeds on this road overnight, from 10pm to 7am, were between 40mph and 53mph.
“During the daytime, surveys found over 100 vehicles per hour travelling at high speeds within this 30mph limit.
“Sadly, the initial levels of non-compliance detected by the camera has validated our concerns, so please comply with the speed limit.
“This road has always been 30mph since it was built, and it’s close to a children’s play park, family centre, sheltered housing accommodation, and two secondary schools in Newton Abbot.”
Finally the force added: “Neither Devon County Council or Devon and Cornwall Police receive any revenue from speed camera fines.”
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