A speed camera that’s dividing a community: Is it a lifesaver or a revenue grab?
A single speed camera in Devon has sparked a heated debate, highlighting the tension between road safety and perceived over-policing. Installed on Ashburton Road in Newton Abbot, this unassuming device has caught a staggering 6,000 drivers exceeding the 30mph limit in just three months, prompting both outrage and applause.
But here's where it gets controversial... While local councillors overwhelmingly backed the camera, citing its proximity to a children’s play park, family center, and sheltered accommodation, not everyone is convinced. Councillor Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) raised concerns about its installation, questioning its compliance with national standards and suggesting it might be more about generating fines than ensuring safety.
Bullivant’s motion, which sought clarity on the camera’s placement and ticketing thresholds, was rejected by the Teignbridge Council. He pointed out that a family member received a ticket for driving at 34mph, just 4mph over the limit, which falls below the 35mph enforcement threshold recommended by the Association of Chief Police Officers. And this is the part most people miss: Bullivant argued that the camera’s location lacks the necessary checks and balances, potentially undermining public trust in road safety measures.
Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) offered a straightforward response: “Don’t speed on that road.” Councillor Rosie Dawson (Lib Dem, Dawlish North East) emphasized that speed cameras are placed in areas where vulnerable groups are at risk, while Councillor Colin Parker (Lib Dem, Buckland and Milber) dismissed Bullivant’s concerns as ‘nonsensical.’
The Devon and Cornwall Police Road Safety Team, in partnership with Devon County Council and the Vision Zero South West initiative, defended the camera’s placement. They highlighted nine injury collisions on the road in the past five years and noted that the number of activations is decreasing monthly, indicating drivers are slowing down. Warning signs were also installed, despite not being legally required.
Is this camera a necessary safeguard or an overreach? While its effectiveness in reducing speeding is evident, the debate over its fairness and compliance with standards continues. What do you think? Are speed cameras essential for road safety, or do they sometimes cross the line into excessive enforcement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
