Tens of thousands of drivers on the West Midlands stretch of the M6 motorway have been fined for speeding in 2024, even while driving under the usual 70mph limit. This is largely due to the use of variable speed cameras enforcing temporary speed limits imposed during congestion or incidents.
These temporary limits, displayed on digital overhead gantries, often reduce the motorway speed limit from 70mph to 60, 50, or even 40mph. Importantly, these are mandatory limits, not advisory, and must be obeyed until signs indicate otherwise. Many drivers mistakenly believe the national 70mph limit still applies, but exceeding the displayed number—even if it is below 70mph—constitutes speeding.
Data obtained by West Midlands Police and reported by BirminghamLive reveals that nearly 30,000 speeding offences have been recorded so far this year under these conditions. The highest number of violations were detected on the southbound stretch between the M54 slip road near Wolverhampton and Junction 10 for Walsall, with 9,711 offences. Another hotspot lies between Junctions 7 and 8 near Great Barr on the northbound carriageway, where 8,941 drivers were caught.
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Motorists are urged to pay close attention to these variable speed limits and adhere strictly to the displayed limits to avoid fines and help maintain safety during busy or hazardous conditions on the motorway.