Drivers caught breaking 20mph speed limit every three minutes on busy Midlands road

Drivers were caught speeding in a 20mph zone on a busy West Midlands road around once every three minutes during a speeding operation. Those motorists will now get a nasty surprise in the form of a warning letter in the post after being captured by new speed 'guns'.

Police targeted a 20mph zone on the busy and built-up Bromford Lane, West Bromwich, following concerns the speed limit was being routinely ignored. And that proved to be the case as more than 20 motorists were caught speeding in just an hour.

The operation served as a warning that police are monitoring the area as drivers were urged to slow down and observe the 20mph limit which is signposted. Teams used one of three speed recording guns bought by the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.

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Police teams said they would be holding more speed operations over the coming weeks. PCC Simon Foster said: “It’s been pleasing to be here in West Bromwich with StreetWatch volunteers and officers to see the benefit of the investment I have made. The purpose of this operation was to remind drivers to slow down and to make our roads safer for all. The devices I have invested in gives power to the people, because members of the public can use them in partnership with local policing teams, to conduct speed watch operations at notorious locations within their communities.

“Road safety will remain at the top of my agenda as Police and Crime Commissioner. I am determined to ensure that West Midlands Police and I play our part to achieve Vision Zero here in the West Midlands – but we need the help and support of all our other partners and every road user to achieve it.”

Police Sergeant Paul Bishop, who oversees policing in West Bromwich town centre, added: “The investment by the PCC has been really well received. We’ve been out in West Brom conducting speed checks and you can clearly see drivers taking notice of the new devices.

“Tackling dangerous driving and speeding is all about changing the attitudes of road users. The speed devices will certainly help that and I look forward to working with our StreetWatch groups in the weeks and months to come as well aim to achieve the same goal: to keep our roads safe.”