A staggering 3,300 people have been caught speeding on one of Scotland’s busiest trunk roads since controversial average speed cameras were installed five months ago.
Figures released at the Scottish Parliament show more than 20 vehicles every day are flouting the new 40mph restriction on the M90 at Halbeath as part of construction work on the new Forth Crossing.
The large numbers of people being hit means the Scottish Government could potentially have generated as much as £200,000 in speeding fines since the work began.
Labour MSP John Park described the figures as “extraordinary” and said the news would anger those who already view the cameras with suspicion.
“While I recognise the importance of these cameras to ensure the safety of those who are working there it does seem an extraordinary number of people who are being caught by them,” he said.
“We have got to ask questions about why it is so high given that there appears to be adequate signage in place.
“These figures will not go down well in the Dunfermline and West Fife area. I know a lot of people have concerns about the cameras and I have been contacted by a number of constituents,” said Mr Park.
“These figures will just make them less popular.”
However, SNP MSP Graeme Dey, who lodged the parliamentary question, said the figures show the speed cameras are doing their job.
He pointed to the fact the average speed of motorists on the section had been 39mph just under the limit.
The cameras were installed in at the end of October and the traffic management measures are set to be in place until at least the summer.
However, opinion on the cameras has been mixed, with some Courier readers suggesting they are only there to generate revenue.
Andrew Howard, head of road safety at motoring organisation the AA, expressed surprise at the numbers of motorists being caught speeding.
”It used to be the case that average speed cameras cost a lot, achieved compliance and did not catch anyone but we seem to be now seeing that change,” he said.
”If average speed cameras are used on places like the Forth Road Bridge where it is a regular clientele you discover that there are people that will try to see if they can get away with driving a mile or so faster, until they get caught.”