local's disgust as 'uk's most lucrative speed camera' issues 6,000 fines in just eight weeks

The sneaky speed camera that has given out 6,000 fines (Picture: William Dax / SWNS)

A new hi-tech speed camera has handed out nearly five penalties an hour to the annoyance of motorists in a quiet,rural town.

The newly installed speed camera on Ashburton Road in Newton Abbot in Devon was first activated in August,according to a Freedom of Information request.

By October 10,there were 6,000 speeding offences recorded by the ‘trap’.

The hi-tech camera can detect seat belt and even mobile phone offences,the Mid-Devon Advertiser reported.

When it was installed,Devon County Council and the police justified the decision for the camera,citing the high number of serious crashes involving vulnerable road users and traffic regularly exceeding the 30mph limit.

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‘There are camera warning signs and 30mph reminder signs in place on both approaches to the camera,even though there is no legal requirement to do so.

‘Landowners cut back their hedges and shrubs,as requested,before the camera was installed,and it was in place for almost a month before enforcement started. 

‘Neither Devon County Council or Devon and Cornwall Police receive any revenue from speed camera fines.

‘Anything we can do to encourage slower speeds,reduce the severity of injury collisions and save lives,has to be worthwhile.’