Thousands of motorists on the M90 now face speeding fines and points on their licence for failing to obey temporary limits.
Transport officials turned on a speed camera system to enforce variable limits approaching the Queensferry Crossing on Monday, May 23.
The cameras target the 22km of motorway between M90 at Halbeath and the M9 north of Newbridge.
Roads managers change the speed limit temporarily to manage traffic flow across the bridge.
They use digital signs hanging from overhead gantries to make drivers aware of the expected speed limit at that moment in time
But transport bosses say around 1 in 5 drivers are ignoring the limits, with as many as 4,000 drivers “speeding excessively” in any given week.
They say this is creating “stop start conditions”. Speeding motorists also delay journey times over the bridge by as many as 5 minutes during some busy periods.
Drivers will now face minimum fines of £100 and 3 points on their licence if caught by the camera system.
It is the first time such a system has been deployed in Scotland.
Where are the new variable speed limit cameras ?
Transport officials have launched an extensive marketing campaign informing drivers of the change.
The Highway Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System (HADECS) camera system uses six spot speed cameras.
Cameras are located at:
- Halbeath (Southbound)
- Inverkeithing (Southbound)
- Queensferry (Northbound)
- Queensferry (Southbound)
- Kirkliston (Southbound)
- Kirkliston (Northbound)
Officials have been testing the system since its initial installation a number of years ago.
Police Scotland’s East Safety Camera Unit will operate the system.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson leads on the project.
He said the cameras should “be a reminder to drivers of the importance of complying with the mandatory variable speed limit at all times”.
Jenny Gilruth is the Scottish Government’s transport minister.
She said: “We know from experience with camera systems successfully deployed elsewhere on our road network, that they encourage improved driver behaviour.
“That leads to enhanced levels of speed limit compliance.
“This system will not completely solve congestion at peak times. But is expected to make journey times more predictable and reliable.”
