A significant technical fault with variable speed limit cameras on England's major roads means thousands of motorists are now in line for refunds on fines and the removal of penalty points.
The Scale of the Speed Camera Error
National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for England's motorways and major A-roads, has confirmed it identified 2,650 incorrect camera activations dating back to 2021. The issue was not with permanent speed cameras but specifically with systems enforcing variable speed limits, which are displayed on overhead gantries to manage traffic flow.
The problem stemmed from a timing discrepancy between the electronic signs and the cameras. In some instances, cameras continued to enforce an old, lower speed limit for up to 10 seconds after the signs had changed to a higher limit, incorrectly penalising drivers who had accelerated lawfully.
Apology Issued and Action Taken
Nick Harris, Chief Executive of National Highways, issued a public apology and moved to reassure drivers. “Safety is our number one priority... All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force,” he stated.
The organisation emphasised that the faulty activations represent a tiny fraction—less than 0.05%—of more than six million camera triggers recorded in the same period. Not every incorrect activation resulted in a fine, so the number of affected drivers is expected to be lower than the 2,650 figure.
What Happens Next for Affected Motorists
National Highways is now working closely with police forces across England to review historical data. The process for affected drivers is clear:
- Local police forces will directly contact drivers who were incorrectly penalised.
- Any fines paid will be refunded in full.
- Penalty points added to licences as a result of the error will be removed.
As a precautionary measure, police have temporarily paused issuing penalties from variable speed cameras while final checks are completed. National Highways has confirmed that no driver will face prosecution due to this fault going forward.
System Fairness and Public Confidence
A Department for Transport spokesperson said the government is taking steps to ensure the enforcement system remains fair. “We apologise to anyone who has been affected. Safety was never compromised, and we are working with policing to ensure nobody is incorrectly prosecuted in future,” the spokesperson said.
The fault was found to affect around 10% of England’s motorway and major A-road network. The department stressed that standard speed enforcement is still operational and that the public should remain confident that only those genuinely breaking the rules will be penalised.
