Thousands of motorists on West Midlands motorways have been fined for speeding in recent years, even though they were driving below the national speed limit of 70mph. Some have also received penalty points. The penalties result from ignoring or being caught out by temporary speed restrictions, which are often displayed on overhead gantries on smart motorways like the M6.
How temporary speed limits work
On smart motorways, variable speed limits of 60, 50, or 40mph are frequently shown during heavy congestion, incidents, or roadworks. These limits are mandatory, and cameras enforce them. Drivers who assume they are not binding may be surprised when a speeding ticket arrives, particularly if they have not exceeded 70mph.
According to BirminghamLive, fines have been issued to drivers ignoring 50mph restrictions on the M42 at Water Orton, where HS2 viaduct works are ongoing. Motorists have also been punished for exceeding 60mph in that area.
Common enforcement locations
On the M6 in the West Midlands, drivers are most often caught between junctions 7 and 8 near Great Barr and between the M54 exit slip road near Wolverhampton and junction 10 for Walsall. Thousands have been fined at these sections in recent years while variable speed limits have been in place.
Roadworks and enforcement
Drivers also need to be cautious when passing through roadworks, where speeds may be reduced to 50mph and cameras enforce restrictions. The article serves as a warning that temporary lower speed limits must be taken seriously to avoid fines and penalty points.
