Thousands of drivers in the West Midlands have been fined for breaking temporary speed limits on smart motorways like the M6, where variable speed cameras catch motorists doing as little as 51mph in a 50mph zone.
Confusion Over Digital Gantry Displays
The confusion surrounds digital gantry displays on roads such as the M6, where speed limits can drop to 60, 50 or 40mph from the usual 70mph due to traffic conditions or safety incidents. Many motorists mistakenly believe these are advisory limits, but they are legally enforceable speed restrictions until the gantries state otherwise.
Where Fines Are Most Common
M6 drivers are caught most frequently between junctions 7 and 8 near Great Barr and between the M54 exit slip road near Wolverhampton and junction 10 for Walsall. Variable speed cameras are positioned at these locations to catch drivers who ignore reduced limits.
BirminghamLive understands fines have also been issued to drivers ignoring 50mph restrictions on the M42 at Water Orton during HS2 viaduct works, though West Midlands Police refused to confirm specific details.
