Camera blitz on speeding drivers at M-way with just a 40mph limit
DRIVERS have been warned they face fines of up to £2,500 and possible bans from today if they exceed a permanent 40mph speed limit on a motorway.
The national speed limit for UK motorways is 70mph but a stretch of the M32 in Bristol has a limit 30mph lower.
Temporary average speed cameras were introduced in July during roadworks, with almost 10,000 motorists caught in two months.
Speeding drivers escaped fines as breaches of the limit were not enforced.
However, as of today, action will be taken by Avon and Somerset Police following the installation of permanent speed cameras set at 40mph.
The minimum fine for speeding on a motorway is £100 but depending on the severity of the offence it can escalate to £2,500.
Sharon Kostanjsek, police criminal justice road safety manager, said: “Speeding can have fatal consequences. It endangers the lives of other road users. We don’t want to catch people speeding, we want people to obey the speed limits. This limit is being enforced and we hope it makes them slow down.”
The new speed cameras coincide with the opening of the southbound MetroBus bus lane.
Mhairi Threlfall, Bristol City Council cabinet member for transport, said: “This is good news for everyone that commutes into the city centre. It’s all too easy to forget MetroBus is improving our road system for everyone.
“It’s not just about a faster, more reliable, long-distance bus service.
“It’s about improving the city for motorists, bus users, cyclists and pedestrians.”