Speeding rates cut as drivers visited at home and warned by police instead of being issued penalties

A new approach to tackling speeding drivers has seen police visit the homes of repeat offenders to warn them instead of issuing fines and penalty points Bolton Council say the move has seen speeding cut by 76 per cent among repeat offenders in the targeted areas.

Along with safety camera supplier Tektrans and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Bolton Council has installed six cameras across the A579, A676, Hulton Lane and University Way, all hotspots for speeding motorists. Though not traditional enforcement cameras, the cameras record speed, direction and number plates.

Persistent speeders are captured, and the details passed on to GMP who then make home visits to warn motorists they are being monitored. The aim is to change driver behaviour through police engagement.

Traditionally speed management measures are enforced through fixed or mobile speed cameras with fines and penalty points dished out to errant motorists. These speed enforcement cameras are effective over a longer distance but those speeding on side roads or over pedestrian crossings often go undetected.

The council said the new cameras targeted drivers who often speed at night when the roads are quieter and persistent speeders who drive dangerously on the same routes in their community. A council spokesman said: “These account for a small percentage of motorists but cause the most concern for local communities and are the most difficult to enforce.

“It is hoped this new approach will bring about a permanent change in driver behaviour among those who persistently speed.” Since the cameras were implemented in April 2024, there was a 76 per cent reduction in repeat offenders speeding in the six weeks after the GMP intervention versus the six weeks before.

Coun Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “We know speeding is an issue on some of our roads and an area of great concern for the council, our partners and our communities. “This scheme is mainly about education and changing driver behaviours and is already proving successful.

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“Being able to target the top speeders regularly using these roads is an important addition in our efforts to combat dangerous driving, along with enforcement.” Inspector Nicholas Bonson from Bolton neighbourhood prevention hub, said: “Speed cameras are an important tool in traffic enforcement and our road safety strategy in Bolton.

“The installation of these six new cameras demonstrates the commitment from the whole of Bolton to reducing speeding and preventing potential serious collisions alongside our partners at the council. “Each camera serves as a reminder to drivers about the importance of adhering to speed limits and driving responsibly and those drivers who think they are above the law, will be dealt with appropriately.”