25 percent more drivers have been fined on motorways in the last 12 months through the use of unmarked ‘stealth cameras’.
New figures reveal that the number of drivers caught out by the ‘grey cameras’ (Hadecs) have soared, with 112,000 divers given penalty notices or sent to court for offences on the motorway in the last year alone.
The increased use of these ‘smart motorways’ that have variable speed limits, open the hard-shoulder to ease congestion and employ digital speed cameras are considered to be the driving force behind the rise, the Times reported.
Often drivers were caught out for breaking variable limits well below 70mph. Stretches of the M1, M25, M4 and M5 have become the most notorious for catching speeders.
As the use of smart motorways is extended from current levels of around 200 miles to 800 miles over the next ten years, the number of fines is set to rise even more.
Critics have lashed out at the system over the use of the less noticeable cameras in the place of more visible yellow cameras. Highways England, which manages highways and A roads, is reviewing grey cameras and may decide to paint them yellow, the Conservatives have said.
Information obtained by the Times in a recent Freedom of Information request showed that last year, in 24 out of 45 police forces 112,654 motorists were given speeding penalties with a minimum fine of £100 and three points on their licence.
In 2013 88,857 were handed the same penalty, compared with 71,922 in 2012, 78,696 in 2011 and 54,720 in 2010.
Highways England has said automated, smart motorways smooth traffic flow and speed up journeys. It added that the majority of drivers stick to speed limits and all cameras are sign posted.
Police forces themselves have the power to decide if they will use the cameras to enforce penalties.
Police in Somerset caught 23,086 motorists speeding in 2014 – a dramatic increase on the 756 that were caught one year earlier.
The rise was attributed to tougher measures taken on one portion of a smart motorway
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