Drivers to have points and fines reversed after faulty M6 speed cameras wrongly catch motorists, National Highways admits

Variable speed cameras on the M6 through the West Midlands have been wrongly penalising motorists due to a technical fault, it has been revealed.

The cameras, which are used when temporary speed limits are introduced during congestion or incidents, have continued enforcing lower limits even after they had been increased, meaning some drivers may have been incorrectly fined.

In some cases, motorists were recorded as speeding after limits had changed — for example from 40mph back to 60mph — because of a delay between the variable speed signs updating and the cameras responding.

National Highways confirmed it has identified 2,650 wrongful speed camera activations across the country since 2021, according to reports.

A speed camera. Photo by Local Democracy Reporter David Irwin.

The issue affects sections of smart motorways, including the M6 in the West Midlands.

Drivers who were wrongly caught will now be contacted by the relevant police forces. Any fines issued will be refunded and penalty points added to licences will be removed.

National Highways said a temporary measure has been put in place to prevent further incorrect enforcement, allowing police to filter out any captures linked to the fault before action is taken.

However, it remains unclear when a permanent solution will be introduced.

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said: "Safety is our number one priority. All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force."

A Department for Transport spokesperson told the BBC: "We apologise to anyone who has been affected. Safety was never compromised, and we are working with policing to ensure nobody is incorrectly prosecuted in future.

"Enforcement is still in place, and the public can remain confident that only motorists who break the rules will be penalised."