Speed cameras are a familiar sight across the Tees Valley. From the suburban streets of Middlesbrough to the bypasses of Guisborough and Darlington, they act as both deterrent and watchdog, designed to reduce accidents, save lives, and encourage responsible driving.

 

But what many residents don’t know is what happens after the flash — where fines go, how much money is generated, and why local councils and police see none of it.

 

This guide breaks it all down.

 

 

🔍 What Are Speed Cameras For?

 

Speed cameras are used to:

 

• Enforce legal speed limits

• Detect dangerous driving patterns

• Collect evidence in collision investigations

• Reduce injuries near schools and pedestrian zones

• Monitor high-risk roads and commuter corridors

 

 

They’re part of broader road safety strategies implemented by police, councils, and national agencies. While the cameras discourage reckless driving, fine revenue doesn’t directly support local safety.

 

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📸 Types of Speed Cameras Used in Tees Valley

 

Camera Type Function Typical Locations

Gatso Rear-facing radar speed camera Urban 30–40 mph zones (e.g. Lazenby A174)

Truvelo Forward-facing camera with driver image School zones, dual carriageways

SPECS Average speed over distance A66, A171, A689, Guisborough Bypass

Mobile Vans Police-operated radar in vans Rotating sites, community complaints driven

HADECS 3 Smart motorway camera A1(M) gantries

SpeedSpike Networked speed + ANPR system Industrial estates, off-grid surveillance

Red Light Cameras Catch red light + speeding Junctions in Stockton & Middlesbrough

 

 

These devices vary in precision, legality of image use, and mobility. Mobile vans, for example, are regularly repositioned based on accident rates, local feedback, and seasonal enforcement priorities.

 

 

📍 Tees Valley Camera Locations by Road

 

Here’s a borough-by-borough breakdown featuring camera type and known enforcement sites:

 

 

Road Camera Type

Acklam Road, Low Lane Mobile Van

Cargo Fleet Lane SPECS (Average Speed)

Park Vale Road Mobile Van

Newham Way, Coulby Newham Mobile Van

Hemlington Hall Road Mobile Van

 

 

 

Road Camera Type

Redcar Lane Fixed Gatso

Coast Road Mobile Van

A171 Guisborough Bypass SPECS

Margrove Road Mobile Van

Longbeck Lane Mobile Van

 

 

 

Road Camera Type

Church Road Mobile Van

Belasis Avenue Mobile Van

Central Avenue Mobile Van

 

 

 

Road Camera Type

Brierton Lane Mobile Van

Rossmere Road Mobile Van

The Front, Seaton Carew Mobile Van

 

 

 

Road Camera Type

Queen Elizabeth Way SPECS

Bishopton Road West Mobile Van

A689 SPECS

 

These locations have been featured in Cleveland Police’s seasonal safety campaigns, which target known speeding hotspots near schools, housing estates, and pedestrian-heavy zones.

 

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💰 How Much Is Paid in Speeding Fines?

 

Estimates suggest the Tees Valley contributes several million pounds annually in speeding fines:

 

Area Estimated Annual Fine Revenue

Middlesbrough £1.2M–£1.5M

Stockton-on-Tees £900K–£1.2M

Redcar & Cleveland £800K–£1M

Hartlepool £600K–£850K

Darlington £700K–£950K

 

 

These values depend on frequency of enforcement, number of fixed penalty notices, and court outcomes. A single fixed fine is typically £100 + 3 penalty points, but court convictions can exceed £2,500.

 

 

 

🏛️ Where Does That Money Go?

 

Here’s the uncomfortable truth for many communities:

 

💷 All Speeding Fine Revenue Goes to:

 

• HM Treasury’s Consolidated Fund

• Used for central government spending, including:• Health

• Education

• Infrastructure

 

 

 

❌ What Doesn’t Happen:

 

• Local councils (e.g. Middlesbrough Council) don’t receive the money

• Cleveland Police don’t benefit directly

• Local road safety budgets aren’t funded by these fines

 

 

⚖️ Exceptions & Alternatives:

 

• Court surcharges may go toward the criminal justice system

• Speed awareness courses: Drivers pay to attend, revenue goes to course providers and police partnerships — not local authorities

 

 

 

🧭 Local Enforcement vs National Revenue

 

Entity Receives Fine Revenue? Funding Source

Cleveland Police ❌ No Grants, local taxes, Home Office allocations

Tees Valley Councils ❌ No Council tax, central government grants

HM Treasury ✅ Yes Absorbs all fine payments

Courts ✅ In part Surcharges and legal fees

Awareness Providers ✅ Limited Course fees, not fine revenue

 

 

🧠 Why This Matters to Residents

 

• Public Misconception: Many residents assume that speed fines improve local services — they don’t.

• Transparency in Campaigns: Outreach should clarify that fines are a deterrent, not a funding stream.

• Local Safety Still Needs Investment: Even high-fine zones may lack signage, resurfacing, or community-speed patrols.

 

 

📣 What Can Communities Do?

 

• Campaign for better road safety grants for schools and housing zones

• Request camera repositioning based on accident data or feedback

• Advocate for local retention pilot programs, as trialled in parts of Wales

• Push for signage and awareness, especially in areas with rising youth fatalities or pedestrian injuries.