Drivers claim speed cameras in Wales are 'all about the money'

The cameras will be installed on roads where there is said to be a high risk of collision

The new cameras will be set up in three different areas in south Wales (Image: Matt Gilley/PlymouthLive)

WalesOnline readers have heard that four new fixed speed cameras will go live across South Wales next week. They will be installed on roads identified as high-risk for collisions with one in Swansea, one in Newport, and two in Merthyr Tydfil.

During the first four weeks drivers will receive advice letters to inform them about the new cameras and remind them of the correct speed limits. GoSafe will manage any offences detected by these cameras.

A GoSafe spokesman said: "Most people want to drive safely through their communities. However if they are unaware of the correct speed limit they could pass a fixed camera and unknowingly break the law, risking their licence. Advice letters help make roads safer and ensure enforcement is a last resort."

GoSafe operates many fixed and mobile speed cameras throughout Wales, typically placing them in areas with frequent speed-related crashes or where drivers regularly exceed limits.

The four new cameras will be switched on Monday, December 1, on roads with a 30mph speed limit:

A483 Carmarthen Road, near Wickes, Swansea

B4237 Chepstow Road, junction with Wharf Road, Newport

A4054 Cardiff Road, Treharris (southbound), Merthyr

A4054 Cardiff Road, Treharris (northbound), Merthyr

Commenter Oz1511 says: “I'd be happier if these cameras were placed in proven areas where serious speeding takes place or multiple accidents. This Swansea new camera is on an arterial dual carriageway going in and out of the city. You can't really speed because there are roundabouts feeding the major stores and traffic lights, so it's purely to catch people putting a bit of speed to join a busy road when they see a gap in traffic.”

636396 thinks: “The more people caught breaking the law the better, zero tolerance to law breaking.”

Welshssinbin writes: “Good news, technology now exists to fit cars with speed limiters to keep them within road limits. After reading about a young Cardiff University student killed by a driver doing 80 in a 40 zone, it’s clear more cameras are needed. But until the government requires limiters in all vehicles, we won’t see the full potential for saving innocent lives.”

Walesdegredation believes: “These restrictions are driving businesses out of Wales, and tourists may avoid the country for fear of fines and penalty points. They could increase pollution, as many cannot afford new electric cars. With low activity levels already a concern, people may be less likely to go out and exercise. Critics argue that the police benefit from the removal of individual freedoms, while those who claim speed restrictions work are often the ones profiting from them.”

Carl Lewis replies: “I don't agree with the 20mph implementation of speed on all roads that were 30mph, but in many built up areas, I'm fine with it. Whilst I'm here, let's dispel a myth. Nobody is trying to make 'money back' of implementation, or trying to make extra revenue. Speeding fine money goes to the central HM treasury, not to the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government can't recover its expenditure.”

Bryan O'Leary complains: “It’s not just about the money the government makes, it affects our livelihoods too. If you live outside town and keep getting caught by these cameras, you risk losing your licence, and you can’t rely on public transport to get to work.

Eyemanoldtrowt points out: “Cameras aren't a problem, unless you decide to break the law!”

James Darren wonders: “Are these cameras in places that a death has occurred? Because years back the government said cameras would only be placed at points of death or severe injury. Now it seems to be all about the money rather than safety?”

Michael Cartwright replies: “The analysis has improved so now they put them there BEFORE the death has occurred.”

Are speed cameras really for safety or just a money-making scheme? Leave your thoughts below in our comments section.

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