Thousands of motorists on West Midlands motorways have been fined and given penalty points for breaking variable speed limits while travelling at speeds below 60mph. The legal limits, displayed on digital gantries as 60, 50 or 40mph, are legally binding, not advisory, and are enforced by variable speed cameras.
Where and How Drivers Are Being Caught
On the M6, variable speed cameras have caught thousands of drivers during peak times over recent years. Traffic is typically slowed during heavy congestion, incidents or roadworks. On the M42 at Water Orton, drivers have been penalised for ignoring 50mph restrictions during ongoing HS2 viaduct works. This includes those travelling over 50mph but under 60mph.
BirminghamLive is aware of drivers being punished for speeds that, while under 60mph, still exceed the posted temporary limit. Slowing down to 55 or 60mph is not enough; drivers must comply with temporary speed limits in place for safety reasons.
Implications for Motorists
The enforcement means that drivers who assume a 60mph limit applies when a lower limit is displayed risk fines and penalty points. The variable speed limits are designed to manage traffic flow and enhance safety during roadworks or incidents, and ignoring them can lead to legal consequences.
Motorists are advised to always check the digital gantries and adjust their speed accordingly, even if it means driving below the national speed limit. The fines and penalty points are issued based on the displayed limit, not the default motorway limit.
This enforcement is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with temporary speed restrictions on the region's motorways, particularly where major infrastructure projects like HS2 are underway. Drivers are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to all posted speed limits to avoid penalties.
