Huge Number of Drivers Caught Speeding Through North East Road Works

Anyone who drives around the North East, and North Tyneside in particular, will know that efforts to create a triple-decker roundabout at Silverlink have caused a lot of disruption, but what you may not realise is just how many motorists have put themselves and others in danger by speeding through the site while it was under construction.

Speed cameras were active at Silverlink over a period of two and a half years, and a recent freedom of information (FOI) request shows that 4,216 motorists were caught breaking the 30mph speed limit between December 2016 and May 2019.

That's an average of 470 speeding tickets issued per month. With a penalty of three points and a £100 fine (or a speed awareness course), that could mean an overall cost to motorists of up to £1.4m.

A spokesperson for Highways England, which has spent £75m creating the triple-decker roundabout, said: “During the roadworks the speed limit was reduced to 30mph on the A19 and the A1058 Coast Road for the safety of drivers and our workforce while we created a triple-decker roundabout.

"Safety is our top priority and speed cameras are for making journeys safer while narrow lanes are in place and to create a safe working environment for our workers.

“The vast majority of the 80,000 drivers who used the junction each day abided by the speed restriction, however, it is disappointing that more than 14,000 drivers exceeded the 30mph limit and put peoples’ lives at risk.”

The average speed cameras have since been removed from Silverlink roundabout, but motorists have been warned that the speed limit is still in effect until the project has been designated as fully complete.

If you have been involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, either at Silverlink roundabout or any other part of England and Wales, get in touch with Winns today. Our team will give you all the information you need to make a successful personal injury claim.

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