A speed camera in Essex has been named as the biggest money maker in the UK. The notorious Gatso, on the southbound carriageway of the M11 near Woodford Green Athletics Club, is believed to have generated nearly £1 million in revenue over the past year.
Local people are furious that the camera has made so much money, arguing that it is not preventing accidents.
Professional musician Hamish Birchall told the Waltham Forest Guardian: ‘I don’t think it follows that just because you’ve caught people going over the speed limit you have prevented accidents. It’s a scandal.
'The data suggests this camera is causing accidents but the only reason they’re keeping it up is because it makes so much money. I’ve written to the Transport Minister about it but he hasn’t replied to any of my letters.'
The Highways Agency says the camera is saving lives. A spokesman said: ‘ The camera on the M11 has been successful in addressing the cluster of collisions occurring approximately 900 metres (1000 yards) south of the current camera location, which is what the camera was installed to do.
'The accident data does not show a pattern of accidents which would be consistent with the camera itself being a factor.’ The camera was also named the most money-making in the country in 2003.
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