Thousands of drivers fined in error after speed camera software glitch

National Highways is implementing a fix to address an anomaly detected in the way some variable speed cameras interact with signs on some A-roads and motorways.

This has resulted in a number of people incorrectly facing enforcement action for speeding, and the organisation apologise to anyone who has been affected.

The anomaly has meant there was, at times, a slight delay between cameras and variable speed signs, leading to some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding after the limit had changed.

As a result, National Highways has identified approximately 2,650 total erroneous camera activations on impacted roads since 2021.

To put this in context, during this period there have been more than 6 million activations on the impacted roads. Not all activations are enforced, so the number of people impacted will be lower than this. This anomaly affects just 10% of the Strategic Road Network, which is made up of motorways and major A-roads in England.

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National Highways apologises to anyone affected. They will be reimbursed and have points removed from their licence where relevant. Steps will be taken to remedy any incorrect enforcement action, and anybody affected will be contacted directly.

National Highways has developed a data check to ensure nobody will now be prosecuted incorrectly and is liaising with the police on its implementation.

Enforcement remains in place, and anybody breaking the law could face prosecution. National Highways will also be increasing other safety measures, and policing will continue to enforce speeding and other offences on our road network.

Safety has been National Highways’ priority throughout, followed by swiftly ensuring that any incorrect penalties are rectified.

National Highways Chief Executive, Nick Harris, said:

“Safety is our number one priority, and we have developed a fix for this technical anomaly to maintain the highest levels of safety on these roads and make sure no one is wrongly prosecuted.

“All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force.”