New speed cameras catch thousands of naughty motorists in just one week

New speed cameras have caught more than 3,000 speeding drivers in the first few days of them going live - including on motorists doing 73mph in a 30mph zone. The four new high-tech bi-directional speed cameras across Devon and Cornwall have only been in operation for just over a week.

The four cameras – which have been operational for between seven and 15 days - have detected 3,280 speeding offences. One of the cameras has been activated about 120 times per day in the first two weeks, while another detected a driver travelling at 73mph on a 30mph road at St Annes Chapel.

The new bi-directional digital cameras will replace older Gatso cameras on routes which have had problems with collisions and speeding vehicles, prompting numerous complaints to local councils and the police from residents. They have the ability to enforce speed and catch motorists breaking the law in both directions simultaneously.

In Cornwall, two sets of bi-directional cameras have been erected on the A390 at Drakewalls and St Ann’s Chapel near Gunnislake. These cameras were funded by Cornwall Council. The cameras at St Annes Chapel has seen 599 activations while the Drakewalls cameras have been activated 145 times.

In Devon, the new digital cameras replaced older Gatso models on Exeter Road in Exmouth and the A385 Ashburton Road in Totnes. These cameras were funded by the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership. The cameras in Exmouth have been activated 1,671 times in two weeks, while the cameras in Totnes have been activated 865 times.