More than 70,000 speeding offences detected in Kent in 2024
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can reveal.The cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing.A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024.A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers.
'Stick to the limit'
BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Kent.Kent Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries.Ch Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit."We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible."Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit."
New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in 2023.Cases of speeding at camera locations in Kent are falling.Between 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%.The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last year.In 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in 2024.Meanwhile between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties.
The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing officers.Jack Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel."We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament."The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment.
'We need more traffic officers'
David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings."I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said."People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence."
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