Newton Abbot speed camera sparks backlash after catching over 6000 drivers

The position of a Newton Abbot speed camera, which has caught more than 6,000 drivers, is being challenged by councillors.

The camera on Ashburton Road is used to enforce a 30mph limit, but two local councillors say it might not meet national standards.

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Conservative councillors Phil Bullivant (Bradley) and Alex Hall (Buckland and Milber) are asking colleagues to back their motion, which raises key questions about the busy camera.

The motion states: “Exceeding the speed limit is unacceptable, particularly in a residential area at any time (but) the process for administering appropriate sanctions requires that the public understand why sanctions are in place and that the enforcement is seen to be appropriate and fair.”

It says the Ashburton Road camera appears to be in breach of established custom and practice.

The motion calls on the highway authority to confirm that the speed limit is appropriate and that no cheaper engineering solution would be more effective than the camera.

It also asks whether signage is correct and lawful, and whether the camera is clearly visible rather than hidden by vegetation.

The motion continues: “Many recipients of tickets have highlighted the location of the small camera installed on a lamppost with minimal signage and poor visual awareness.

“There have also been complaints of proceedings for speeds of less than 35mph.

“What was the basis for the camera installation? Who decided on the parameters for the actual installation? How many proceedings have been instigated for speeds of 35mph or less? And does the installation meet national standards for speed camera locations?”

Driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone is the usual threshold for enforcement under guidelines set out by the Association of Chief Police Officers, now known as the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The guidance typically suggests a fixed penalty fine or a speed awareness course when speeds exceed 10 per cent plus 2mph. In a 30mph zone, that would be 35mph.