M54 speed cameras third busiest in country

More than 7,400 drivers were caught in 2013 by the traps between junction one for Cannock and three for Albrighton.

Between May 2013 when they were introduced and April this year, the cameras snared more than 10,000 drivers.

The cameras are in place while the road network is reworked to allow traffic to drive to and from the i54 site.

The figures have come from a Freedom of Information Request put in to councils to find out the busiest speed camera in the country.

County Councillor Mark Winnington, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure said the council have regularly urged drivers to slow down while driving along the stretch.

He said: "Average speed cameras and a temporary 50mph speed limit are in place along a short stretch of the M54 close to junction 2 and the i54 South Staffordshire development.

"This is to protect the safety of people working on the new junction and other motorists.

"The speed cameras and amount of fines have been widely publicised, and we continually urge motorists to slow down along this route."

The amount of money raised by the speeding fines in 2013 was not disclosed on the FOI, but Councillor Winnington added that the money would have been sent to central government.

Fines range from £60 to £100 depending on the speed being travelled.

Councillor Winnington added: "The best way to not get caught out by speed cameras is not to break the speed limit in the first place.

"It is also worth noting that any money collected from these fines goes straight to central government; our focus is and always has been the safety of motorists and workers building the new junction."

The work on the junction is due to finish in October this year.

The busiest camera in the country is on the M60 in Manchester, near junction 25.

That camera raked in more than £189,000 after catching 9,326 drivers speeding.

Second busiest was a speed camera operated by MET Police on the A13 Thames Gateway to the A13 Scrattons Terrace, which generated around £333,820 from 8,002 speed offences.

John O'Roarke, managing director of LV= car insurance, who submitted the FOI request, said: "It can be easy for motorists to become complacent when they get behind the wheel, especially when they drive on the same roads day in and day out.

"However, it's important that drivers always concentrate on the road so they can spot any new road signs, changes in speed limits, and are aware of what other motorists are doing."