Local’s disgust as ‘UK’s most lucrative speed camera’ issues 6,000 fines in just eight weeks

A new hi-tech speed camera has handed out nearly five penalties an hour to the annoyance of motorists in a quiet, rural town.

The newly installed speed camera on Ashburton Road in Newton Abbot in Devon was first activated in August, according to a Freedom of Information request.

By October 10, there were 6,000 speeding offences recorded by the ‘trap’.

The hi-tech camera can detect seat belt and even mobile phone offences, the Mid-Devon Advertiser reported.

When it was installed, Devon County Council and the police justified the decision for the camera, citing the high number of serious crashes involving vulnerable road users and traffic regularly exceeding the 30mph limit.

But drivers are outraged and argue that it is hidden with poor signage.

Trevor Sillifant, 67, drives through the area regularly for work and within a week, he received two speeding tickets from the camera.

He told Metro: ‘I drive 12,000 miles a year, and in 24 years, that’s the first time that I’ve been caught. And it’s not just once, it’s been twice in one week.

‘I will probably avoid the road now because I’m so irritated by it and I’m really nauseated by the fact that I’ve been caught twice.’

For his first penalty, he has to do a speed awareness course and pay a £100 fine.

He is still waiting for the outcome of the second one, but he expects it to be three points on his driving license and another £100 fine.

Trevor believes, due to the sheer amount of penalties issued, it’s ‘not done really for road safety but it’s just income generation.’

A Facebook group has even been set up, named the ‘A383 Ashburton Road speed camera victims’, with 1,100 members.

The group’s description states: ‘Group setup in protest of the gross misspending of public money, targeting and criminalising innocent motorists going about their day-to-day business.

‘The speed camera on the Ashburton Road was setup under the illusion that it is increasing road safety, but it is just another ploy to boost police and government coffers.’

One member posted: ‘It’s a scandal. No room for human error and not just or fair. The speed signs are tiny, and easily missed.

‘The camera is virtually hidden. Has that road really always only been 30mph?? Doesn’t ring true to me.’

However, some locals have expressed their support for the camera, pointing out that drivers should just live with the consequences if they speed.

One commented: ‘Does not matter if it’s visible or not, whether there is a warning sign or not. If you’re not doing the speed limit then you’re going too fast. Grow up and accept the consequences if you’re caught.’

In a joint statement, Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon County Council told Metro: ‘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. 

‘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.

‘There are camera warning signs and 30mph reminder signs in place on both approaches to the camera, even though there is no legal requirement to do so.

‘Landowners cut back their hedges and shrubs, as requested, before the camera was installed, and it was in place for almost a month before enforcement started. 

‘Neither Devon County Council or Devon and Cornwall Police receive any revenue from speed camera fines.

‘Anything we can do to encourage slower speeds, reduce the severity of injury collisions and save lives, has to be worthwhile.’

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