Exemplary punishment for speeding drivers has today been insisted upon after new figures revealed the number offences still being committed on Suffolk’s roads.
More than 8,500 motorists have been caught by fixed and average speed cameras on Suffolk’s roads so far this year.
Two speeders are now caught every hour – an increase on last year’s average – despite one of Suffolk’s cameras being out of action for four months of 2018.
Last month, offences went up 20% compared to June 2017 on one stretch of the A12, while on the Orwell Bridge, speeding soared by a quarter between June and July, despite westbound cameras not functioning for five months after a crash in December.
Nevertheless, at the current rate, 2018 will surpass last year’s total of offences (16,899) across four locations.
Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore called the figures “disappointing”.
He added: “No one can fail to recognise speed limits are there for a reason.
“We know speed can be a killer. There is a human cost, as well as an economic cost of road closures.
“Whether people have chosen not to listen, or are just irresponsible, I don’t know.”
A 60mph limit was introduced on the Orwell Bridge to prevent accidents and reduce disruption.
Mr Passmore reported anecdotal improvements in hold-ups, but said the Highways Agency would analyse statistics ahead of a formal early autumn review of measures.
Suffolk also has fixed cameras on the A12 at Benhall and A140 at Coddenham.
Offences went up almost 75% between May and June at Coddenham – from 88 to 153 – but numbers fell slightly at Benhall – from 187 to 162.
Earlier this month, 34-year-old Graham Cannon, of Grays, Essex, was allowed to keep his licence after driving at 118mph between Stratford St Mary and East Bergholt last summer.
His was among 10,245 offences processed last year in both directions of the 70mph stretch of A12, where average speed cameras were installed in August 2015.
Mr Passmore said those charged with administering justice must use sentencing powers as a further deterrent.
“It’s something I’ve raised with the Criminal Justice Board because I’ve been disturbed by some of the penalties given to people caught on many occasions or at huge speeds,” he added.
“Speeding has to become as taboo as drink or drug-driving.
“It’s not just your safety at risk, but that of other road users.”
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