A significant technical malfunction within the camera systems operated by National Highways has placed thousands of speeding convictions under review, with many potentially being overturned entirely. The government-owned body is now examining cases that date all the way back to 2019, the period when it initiated a major upgrade programme for its network of variable speed limit cameras.
Investigation Launched into Faulty Camera Activations
Confirmation from the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed that National Highways will conduct a thorough review of historical cases. This action follows the department's earlier commitment to address approximately 2,650 instances identified as "erroneous camera activations" by the highways authority.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood has issued direct instructions, mandating that the investigation's scope be extended to cover the period from 2019 onwards. The core of the problem was a technical glitch that created a critical time lag between the cameras and the electronic speed signs displayed on motorways.
Consequences for Motorists and Police Forces
This malfunction meant that some drivers were incorrectly flagged and prosecuted for speeding offences after the legal limit had already been reduced on the variable signs. The DfT announced last month that individuals affected by this error would be contacted directly by their relevant police force.
The department has pledged that costs incurred by drivers will be reimbursed and that penalty points will be removed from licences where applicable. Furthermore, due to the widespread nature of the fault, police forces across the country have been forced to cancel tens of thousands of pre-booked speed awareness courses, as reported by the Mirror newspaper.
Independent Review and Compensation Claims
In response to the escalating situation, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed earlier this week that an independent investigation into the issue will be led by Tracey Westall, a non-executive director at the DfT. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the system failure and its impact.
Adding a further dimension, Transport Minister Lord Hendy indicated on Wednesday that drivers who were wrongly penalised may have grounds to claim compensation. This would apply if they can provide evidence of financial losses directly resulting from the incorrect conviction, such as demonstrably increased insurance premiums.
The unfolding situation highlights a major administrative and technical challenge for National Highways and raises significant questions about the reliability of automated enforcement systems on some of the nation's busiest roads.
