More Than Four Thousand Cars Caught by Controversial West Cumbrian Speed Camera

A fixed speed camera installed on the A595 in Holmrook, West Cumbria has caught more than four thousand vehicles speeding since it began operating in November last year. Local law enforcement reports that between the camera’s installation and January 8, a total of 4,260 drivers were detected travelling above the limit with some recorded at speeds as high as eighty-six miles per hour through the village.
The camera’s presence sparked debate among local motorists after a wave of fines were issued following the holiday period, with many drivers questioning whether the equipment was accurately calibrated. Several drivers reported receiving penalties for travelling at the same speed of thirty-eight miles per hour, leading to concerns about its accuracy. However, Cumbria Constabulary maintains there are no faults with the system.
According to the constabulary, the camera has detected and fined drivers travelling at speeds ranging from thirty-five miles per hour up to eighty-six miles per hour. A request for information regarding how many were fined specifically for thirty-eight miles per hour has not yet been answered by the police force.
Police officials say the camera is subject to ongoing self-testing and would stop functioning if a fault was found. They added that the camera was calibrated once on November 4 and that no maintenance issues have been detected since it became operational.
Unlike some modern cameras that can also record other offences such as mobile phone use or seatbelt violations, the Holmrook system only records speeding offences. Officials noted that traffic surveys last year recorded average speeds of forty-two miles per hour in the thirty-mile-per-hour zone and that sixty-four offences were detected in 2024.