Devon & Cornwall Police Bust Common Myths About Speed Cameras

Devon & Cornwall Police have addressed a series of common myths about speed cameras following online discussion sparked by the installation of a new camera pole in Devon.

While the conversation began around a replacement camera in Northam, police say the questions being raised are familiar across the Devon and Cornwall force area, including on roads in Cornwall.

The explanations below have been provided by Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon County Council to clarify how speed cameras work and why they are used.

Why Was a New Speed Camera Installed?

The new camera pole forms part of a safety camera upgrade programme led by Devon County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police.

Speed and collision data for the route was analysed, and a decision was made to replace the existing speed camera near Lakenham Hill, which had reached the end of its operational life.

Although renovation works are scheduled to begin in early 2026, the installation of the new pole prompted discussion on social media.

Neighbourhood Team Leader for Bideford, Sergeant Glyn Clark, said the camera is a replacement rather than a new enforcement site.

“We understand there has been lots of conversation locally surrounding the installation of a new camera pole.

“I want to stress that this is a replacement camera which is being fitted close to the one the council are replacing as part of an upgrade program.”

Why Was the Camera Moved?

The replacement camera has been relocated near Heywood Road in Northam.

According to Devon County Council, the new site was chosen after analysing collision locations and vehicle speeds.

Planning Transportation & Environment Officer at Devon County Council, James Anstee, said most collisions occurred between Heywood Road roundabout and the Churchill Way junction.

“This part of the route also had the highest number of recorded speeding vehicles, with typical weekly speeds exceeding 38 mph in both directions of travel.”

The new location also allows for a bi directional camera and offers greater visibility compared to the former site on the bend at the top of Lakenham Hill.

Why Do Police Enforce Speed Limits?

Police say excessive or inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in fatal and serious road collisions.

It is one of the fatal five offences, alongside careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.

Sergeant Owen Messenger, who leads the Road Casualty Reduction team at Devon & Cornwall Police, said driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of serious or fatal injury.

Should Speed Limits Be Higher Because Cars Are Safer?

While modern vehicles have improved braking systems and safety technology, police say human reaction times have not changed.

Sgt Messenger said: “The majority of collisions we attend are down to driver error and your reaction time is exactly the same in a modern car as it would be in a car from 30 years ago.”

Do Speed Cameras Collect Personal Data?

No. Devon & Cornwall Police confirmed that speed cameras are Home Office Type Approved.

They use automatic number plate recognition only to link a speeding offence to a vehicle and cannot record driver or vehicle data for any other purpose.

Do Speed Cameras Work in Both Directions?

Yes. The replacement camera uses bi directional technology.

This allows it to accurately detect vehicles travelling both towards and away from the camera.

Are Speed Cameras Used to Make Money?

Police say speed cameras are not used as a revenue generating tool.

Sgt Messenger said: “If you are caught speeding and given penalty points and a fine, we don’t see any of that money. It goes straight to the national Treasury who decide how and where it is spent.

“If you are offered a driver education course, a percentage of this money does come back to the force but can only be spent on improving road safety within the force area.”

Devon County Council added that the intention of speed cameras is to reduce speeds and injuries, not to penalise motorists.

What Should You Do If Speeding Is a Concern?

Anyone concerned about regular speeding in their area is advised to report it to their local council.

If a vehicle is being driven dangerously and there is a belief that there may be a risk to life, police say people should always call 999.