Thousands of UK Drivers Could Reclaim Costs After Faulty Speed Camera Activations
Thousands of motorists across the United Kingdom who were wrongly caught speeding due to a technical fault may be eligible to claim compensation for associated financial losses. The National Highways agency has identified approximately 2,650 incorrect camera activations since 2021, attributing the errors to a technical glitch in the system.
Financial Implications and Compensation Process
While not all of these erroneous flashes resulted in fines, as camera activations are not always enforced, affected drivers could face significant financial consequences. Lord Burnett of Maldon, a crossbench peer and former lord chief justice, highlighted that "points doesn’t mean prizes" but rather increased insurance premiums and potential difficulties in understanding premium hikes.
Transport minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill indicated that the Government would need to be a good custodian of public money while considering compensation claims. He suggested that evidence showing insurance premium increases solely related to points, without other driving factors, would likely be acceptable for claimants.
Independent Review and Redress Mechanisms
The Department for Transport has launched an independent review into how the anomaly occurred. According to Lord Hendy, relevant police forces will contact affected individuals directly with details about redress actions. Those notified will receive information on how to contact National Highways if they have evidence of costs associated with the incorrect enforcement, such as those related to licence loss.
Conservative former minister Lord Young of Cookham raised concerns about compensation for drivers who "had to take time off work to attend speed-awareness courses" or those who lost their licences and consequently their jobs. The Press Association understands that most affected motorists opted for speed awareness courses, with only a small number facing wrongful prosecution or disqualification.
Broader Context of Speed Limit Enforcement
The discussion in Parliament also touched on broader issues of speed limit enforcement. Conservative peer Lord Geddes shared his experience of being penalised for driving at 60mph in a temporary 50mph limit on a motorway under clear conditions with no visible roadworks or obstructions.
Lord Hendy defended variable speed limits, explaining they are particularly used on busy urban roads to regulate traffic flow and prevent dangerous stop-start conditions that reduce road capacity. He advised motorists to adhere to reduced limits to avoid congestion, citing routes like the M25 as examples where such measures are implemented.
Related Infrastructure Concerns
The parliamentary session also addressed rail infrastructure resilience in south-west England. Crossbench peer the Earl of Devon inquired about Government plans to re-route the railway at Dawlish, where trains operate along a sea wall vulnerable to weather events.
Lord Hendy reported that approximately £140 million has been spent on resilience measures since the 2014 storm that washed away part of the railway, isolating southern Devon and Cornwall. He acknowledged ongoing work, particularly at the cliffs in Teignmouth, but stated there is currently no "practicable, affordable alternative route" available in the near future, emphasising the need to maintain the existing line regardless of weather conditions.
