Bold opening: A controversial speed camera in Devon is sparking debate after its first three months, when it caught 6,000 drivers breaking the 30mph limit. But here’s where it gets controversial: locals are backing the device and questioning the reasoning behind its placement.
Devon’s divisive 30mph speed camera has earned support from several councillors, who urge drivers to take responsibility for their actions and slow down. The message from Cllr Sally Morgan (Liberal Democrats, Bovey) was clear at Teignbridge Council: “Own the consequences of your actions and slow down!”
At a full council meeting, the majority rejected a motion by Cllr Phil Bullivant (Conservative, Bradley) that would have pushed for more transparency about the camera. He asked the highways authority why the camera was installed, who decided where and when, and how many people were cited for speeds at or below 35mph. He also questioned whether the Ashburton Road installation met national standards for speed-camera locations. Cllr Bullivant shared a personal anecdote: a family member had received a ticket for driving past what he described as an “invisible” camera at 34mph. The Association of Chief Police Officers sets 35mph as a general enforcement threshold, he noted, and argued that the camera’s setup did not align with national norms. He emphasized the need for residents to have confidence in appropriate checks and balances and to ensure installations conform to standards.
Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) dismissed the need for lengthy debate, replying, “The simple answer is, don’t speed on that road.” Other Lib Dem councillors weighed in: Cllr Rosie Dawson (Dawlish North East) pointed out that speed cameras are typically placed where there is risk to children or vulnerable people, while Cllr Colin Parker (Buckland and Milber) described the claim that the camera should not be there as nonsensical. The Road Safety Team of Devon and Cornwall Police, working with Devon County Council and the Vision Zero South West partnership, installed the camera.
The camera site is within 300 metres of a children’s play park, a family centre, and sheltered accommodation, with nine injury collisions recorded on the road in the last five years. Although warning signs were erected, they were not legally required. Police say the camera’s activation rate is declining month by month, indicating that it is achieving its aim of slowing motorists. The latest figures show that only about three drivers in every thousand exceed the threshold speed.
In short, the council overwhelmingly rejected Cllr Bullivant’s motion seeking more transparency about the camera’s installation and standards.
Would you agree that enforcement tools like this camera help protect the public, or do you think inquiries into placement and standards are essential for accountability? Share your views in the comments.
