Seven drivers a day caught speeding in new 50mph cameras on the M4
The amount of people who have been caught speeding in the first six months since the M4's 50mph zone cameras went live has been revealed. The average speed camera scheme on a Newport[1] section of the motorway was implemented in the middle of November last year.
The figures for the 50mph zone between junctions 41 and 42 at Port Talbot[2] have also been revealed after a Freedom of Information request.
The Welsh Government[3] announced speed limits to improve air quality levels[4] in five locations across Wales in 2018. It was the first decision of its kind in the UK which Welsh Government say has already "significantly" reduced levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47%.
The zones were introduced for a time but not enforced, but the cameras went live in November last year. Since then, 1,128 drivers have been fined for driving over the limit in both directions between junctions 25A and 26 Malpas Road at Newport. That is from the cameras on both the westbound and eastbound sides.
Between junctions 41 and 42 the number is much lower at 214. That's equivalent to more than seven drivers a day being caught speeding across the two 50mph zones.
The highest non-emergency vehicle speed recorded was on the M4 at junction 42 Earlswood to Bont Rhodfa’r Mor, Port Talbot, in that time was 116mph. The highest recorded recorded on the Newport section between junction 25A and 26 was 103mph.[5]
GoSafe, the Wales road casualty reduction scheme, says that speed is a "major contribution" to collisions on the roads.
A spokesman said: "We work closely with Highways Authorities across Wales to enforce safety camera schemes. These schemes make our roads safer for everyone and improve the behaviour of the minority of drivers breaking the speed limit.
"We will continue to work together with police forces, Highways Authorities, and our partners across Wales as we progress towards making our roads safer for everyone."
Other 50mph zones in Wales are on the A494 Wales/England border to St David’s Interchange in Deeside, Junction 5 to Junction 6 of the A483 in Wrexham[6] and on the A470 between Upper Boat Interchange to Bridge Street Interchange in Pontypridd[7].
Welsh Government and European Environment Agency research says reducing speeds to 50mph reduces pollution as it improves and reduces fuel consumption, which then creates less pollutant gases; promotes consistent speeds, which produces less braking and accelerating, reducing pollution and reduces turbulence and the spread of road dust and particulate matter suspended in the air.
References
- ^ Newport (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Port Talbot (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Welsh Government (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ improve air quality levels (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ the M4 (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Wrexham (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Pontypridd (www.walesonline.co.uk)