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FOI Shows Newton Abbot Speed Camera Logged Nearly 6,000 Offences in Eight Weeks

Officials cite collision history plus speed data to justify the installation.

Overview

  • The fixed camera on Ashburton Road (A383) in Newton Abbot’s 30mph zone was activated in August, with nearly 6,000 detections recorded by October 10.
  • The count equates to just over 100 drivers per day flagged for speeding during the eight-week window.
  • Devon County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police cite nine injury collisions from 2019 to 2023, including three serious, and surveys showing typical overnight speeds of 40–53mph.
  • Authorities say they publicised the location in advance, installed warning signs, arranged hedge clearance, delayed enforcement for about a month, and do not receive any fine revenue.
  • Drivers claim the camera is obscured and poorly signed, a Facebook protest group has formed, multiple motorists report repeated tickets, a legal expert advises those facing bans to seek counsel, and local reports describe the unit as capable of detecting seatbelt and phone offences.