Speed cameras questioned as driver fined for ‘speeding’ at 46mph on M4

Over the past few months, several drivers have found themselves in court facing a fine, points or driving disqualification for the offence, with many being caught out on the same stretch of the M4. Among those who have appeared in court include Abdirahman Omar Ali, 42, of Corey Close, Bristol. Appearing at Bristol Magistrates Court last month, Ali pleaded guilty to exceeding a variable speed limit.

On February 2, 2025, he was travelling on the M4 westbound between junction 19 to 20 and M5 junctions 15 to 17. An automated camera device captured him driving at 46mph - exceeding a 40mph restriction which was in place at the time. He was fined GBP146, handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a surcharge of GBP58 and prosecution costs of GBP120 - totalling GBP324.

In a separate incident, Natasha Ruth Coliandris, 35, of New Century Street, Trealaw, Tonypandy, appeared at Bath Law Courts in April after being charged with exceeding a temporary 50mph speed restriction on a motorway. Coliandris was caught on an automated camera device travelling at 67mph after a 50mph speed limit had been enforced on the M4 junctions 19 to 20 westbound and the M5 junctions 15 to 17. The 35-year-old pleaded guilty and was fined GBP269 and along with court costs of GBP130 and a surcharge of GBP108, she left with a total bill of GBP507.

Meanwhile, Hannah Champion, 34, of Dallaway Estate, Thrupp, Stroud, recently pleaded guilty[1] to exceeding a variable speed limit and appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Tuesday, May 5. The court heard that on April 3 of last year, Champion was driving a vehicle with a trailer on the M4 junctions 20 to 19 and the M5 junctions 15 to 17. At the time of the offence, a variable speed limit of 40mph was in place and the 34-year-old was captured by an automatic camera device driving at 47mph.

She was fined GBP138 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of GBP85 and a surcharge of GBP55, leaving court with a total bill of GBP278. Champion was also handed three penalty points. On busy stretches of the M4 -- particularly between junctions 19 and 20 -- speed limits often drop to 50mph or 60mph because of congestion, roadworks or safety concerns.

Confusion has been made worse by concerns over faulty speed camera systems. In early 2026, it emerged that some National Highways cameras on the M4 may have been enforcing limits before signs had fully updated, leading to thousands of potentially incorrect fines dating back several years. The Department for Transport ordered an independent review, with some drivers now in line for refunds or points being removed.

There has also been wider public debate about whether drivers spot the signage clearly enough -- especially at night or in heavy traffic -- and whether enforcement feels disproportionate when motorists are travelling close to motorway speeds rather than racing.

Authorities maintain that variable speed cameras are essential for traffic flow and safety, but the volume of prosecutions suggests many drivers still underestimate how closely these limits are monitored.

References

1. ^ pleaded guilty (www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk)