Thousands of drivers caught speeding within months of cameras being installed on popular route

Thousands of drivers have been slapped with fines in a sleepy village after new speed cameras were installed just months ago.

A councillor has spoken of his "surprise" at new data which shows that more than 4,200 drivers have been caught speeding since new speed cameras were installed in October last year.

The cameras have been installed on a section of road that passes through the village of Holmrook, near Seascale in Cumbria.

Some motorists were even caught speeding at a staggering 90mph, despite the zone having a top speed of just 30mph.

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The speed cameras were installed by Cumberland Council in partnership with Cumbria Police, who responded to community concerns about speeding in the area.

The A595 at Holmrook has frequently been identified as a "high-risk corridor" because of speeding vehicles.

Prior to the installation of the cameras, surveys found that the average speeds in a 30mph area of Smithfield (A6071) was 40mph.

The camera installations were completed as part of the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership's wider Road Safety Strategy.

This aims to use fixed and mobile cameras to ensure "flexible enforcement and coverage" across different high-risk zones.

Speaking at the time of the introduction of the cameras, Inspector Jack Stabler, Chair of Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, emphasised the importance of these measures.

He said: "Since April 2023, the Partnership has been guided by the Cumbria Road Harm Index, a five-year evidence base that identifies geographical areas of high harm.

"This data-driven approach enables partner agencies to implement targeted interventions that improve safety for all road users."

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Parish and Cumberland Council member Andy Pratt supported the use of the speed cameras, noting that speeding vehicles were "quite frightening" for motorists.

The Conservative councillor for Millom Without continued, saying: "They'll be collecting a lot of fines, I imagine.

"But what's that money doing to help reduce the speed? If there are that many being caught, it's not doing its job yet."

Motorists have continually been reminded to abide by the signposted speed limits in the rural area, including by the local council.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police told BBC News: "The speed camera in Holmrook is an investment in road safety in that community and on that stretch of road."

Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, added: "We know how important road safety is to our communities, and we're listening.

"These new cameras are a direct response to local concerns and are part of our commitment to making Cumberland's roads safer for everyone.

"Working in partnership with Cumbria Police, we’re taking meaningful steps to reduce speeding and prevent accidents."

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