Motorists face £100 fines as new speed cameras go live on busy Midlands A-road

Drivers have been warned of hefty fines after new speed cameras went live on a busy stretch of the A46 in Warwickshire following a series of serious and fatal crashes.

The new multi-directional automatic cameras have been installed between Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester as part of efforts to improve road safety.

The scheme has been introduced by the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, which includes Warwickshire Police, National Highways, Warwickshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner's Office.

The police explained how the route was identified as a high-risk road after a number of serious collisions in recent years prompted a response.

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According to the police, between 2021 and 2025, there were three fatal crashes, eight serious injury collisions and 22 crashes resulting in slight injuries on this section of the A46.

Investigations found that many of the collisions happened because drivers failed to judge another road user's speed or path correctly.

Other common causes included careless or reckless driving, speeding, losing control of vehicles and motorists driving while in a hurry.

Police explained that years of evidence showed fixed speed cameras could help reduce the number and severity of road crashes.

Inspector Dave Valente, who leads the partnership's Safer Speeds Working Group, said tackling speeding remains a priority.

He shared: "Reducing excess speed in Warwickshire is a priority for us, because more than half of all fatal collisions nationally involve speed as a contributing factor.

"Working alongside our communities through initiatives like Community Speed Watch, as well as our mobile enforcement teams, we use a visible presence on our roads to encourage safer speeds and help educate drivers on the law."

However, he warned that in some high-risk locations, "only a static enforcement device can ensure that speed limits are consistently respected".

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The cameras have been designed to monitor traffic travelling in both directions and are expected to provide round-the-clock enforcement.

The section of the A46 is currently subject to a 50mph speed limit. Drivers caught breaking the rules by the new cameras could face a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence.

But in more serious cases, motorists could be sentenced in court, where they risk larger fines, more penalty points or a driving ban.

Chair of the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, Philip Seccombe, said residents had been raising concerns about the road for years.

He said: "We need all drivers to take responsibility for themselves and others' safety by always staying within the speed limit and driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions. If everyone can do this, our roads will become much safer immediately."

National Highways also backed the introduction of the new cameras, with Route Manager Fiona McKenzie stating that reducing speeds plays a major role in preventing deaths and serious injuries.

She said: "The evidence shows that when drivers reduce their speed, collisions are less likely and serious injuries and fatalities are reduced. Slower speeds help protect not only other motorists but also cyclists and the wider community.

"The new cameras will help support our commitment, and we'll continue to work closely with Warwickshire Police and the Road Safety Partnership to monitor safety across the county."

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