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M6 Camera Clocks Over 5500 Speeding Motorists In 5 Weeks
Tue, 16 Mar 2010

A speed camera on one of the UK’s busiest motorways has caught over five and a half thousand drivers speeding in just over 5 weeks.

The fixed camera was installed on a three-mile stretch between junctions 43 and 44 of the M6 Carlisle to protect workers carrying out repairs, and is reported to have so far caught some 5,569 motorists breaking the temporary 50mph speed limit.

Only around half of the law-breaking drivers – those caught driving faster than 60mph - will receive a minimum £60 penalty, but it still means around £168,000 in fines has been raised by the camera which still has another two weeks left to run.

Kevin Tea, manager of Cumbria Safety Cameras, said: "In seven years working on the safety partnership in Cumbria never have I seen a camera generate so many tickets."

"I can't offer an explanation for it. I can't understand why people haven't seen the signs and cameras and are continuing to speed."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency added: "There's a 50mph speed limit, cones, barriers and signs in place on this stretch of the M6 for a very good reason - to ensure the ongoing safety of drivers and road workers while the work is underway."

"We are concerned about the number of drivers who appear to be ignoring the speed limit, putting themselves and our workforce in danger.

"Driving through half a mile of roadworks at 70mph takes just ten seconds fewer than driving at 50mph - a ten-second saving which can put lives at risk."

However, Claire Armstrong co-founder of anti speed camera group Safe Speed, said: "This has nothing to do with road safety and everything to do with raising money."

"Cameras on motorways are the biggest revenue-raisers because often people using the roads are not local and not aware of roadworks or speed limits."
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