Over 1,100 speeding tickets were given out during one month in Bedford

Average speed cameras in Bedford caught 1,193 drivers last December.

And at one site - Woburn Road, Kempston - 85 people were caught doing speeds of 40mph or over, including two who were doing over 50mph in this 30mph zone.

Anyone who is caught by Bedford Borough Council’s average speed cameras are either fined £100 and have three points added to their licence (unless given the option to attend a speed awareness course), or may be ordered to go to court.

More than 2,500 vehicles were also caught speeding by the Speedwatch van throughout 2020.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “The council receives no income from average speed cameras - it all goes to the Government - yet each set costs us around £85,000 to install, with ongoing maintenance costs.

“I know how popular these cameras are, in areas across the borough where speeding traffic is a major problem and a real safety concern for local residents. We have a waiting list of over 70 locations for average speed cameras, requested by councillors, parish councils and local communities.

“This is why I have written to the minister to request that fines from each set of average speed cameras are returned to the local authority, until the cost of installation is covered. This money would be protected, to enable us to reinvest it in measures to reduce speeds and make our roads safer."

Cllr Sue Oliver, chair of the environment and sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee, said: “Average speed cameras are proven to be effective in changing the behaviour of inconsiderate and dangerous drivers.

"Residents are keen to see more of them placed in speeding hotspots around the borough. It is unfair that the council bears the cost of purchasing and installing the cameras yet the Government pockets the fines which are generated instead of allowing us to reinvest the money in further local traffic calming schemes.”