The use of speed cameras across UK cities continues to expand as authorities increase enforcement against speeding drivers.

At the same time, the number of motorists attending speed awareness courses has also risen sharply in recent years.

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New research commissioned by Zego has revealed which parts of the UK now have the highest concentration of speed cameras.

It underlines how urban authorities are increasingly relying on automated enforcement to improve road safety and cut casualties.

According to the study, Bradford now has the highest density of speed cameras anywhere in Britain, with 2.18 cameras per square mile, 13% higher than London, despite being significantly smaller in size.

The findings reflect a wider shift towards stricter speed enforcement in towns and cities, particularly alongside the rollout of more 20mph zones.

Capital effects

London ranked second with 1.93 cameras per square mile, although the capital still has by far the highest overall number of cameras, with 671 spread across the city.

Transport for London has significantly expanded both 20mph speed limits and camera enforcement in recent years, arguing the measures have helped reduce road casualties and improve safety for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The lower speeds are believed to have led to smoother traffic flow and helped reduce emissions and roadside pollution in the capital.

Meanwhile, Coventry emerged as one of the country’s most aggressively enforced cities outside London and Bradford, with 243 cameras and a density of 1.57 per square mile.

Still too fast

The increased use of cameras comes as government data continues to show speeding remains deeply embedded in driver behaviour.

According to official figures cited in the research, 43% of car drivers admit exceeding the speed limit on 30mph roads when traffic is light.

On 20 mph roads, the figure rises dramatically to 76%, though a lack of enforcement in 20 mph zones, which is only now being pursued, has skewed these figures.

Stricter enforcement of 20mph zones across London is beginning to yield positive results.

However, the number of people caught under the new enforcement regime has also led to a spike in speeding figures in the capital.

Road safety campaigners argue the statistics demonstrate why authorities are increasingly turning to automated enforcement technology.

Speed remains one of the biggest contributing factors in serious and fatal collisions, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk.

The Department for Transport has repeatedly highlighted that even small reductions in average traffic speeds can significantly reduce collision severity and survival rates.

Psychology and attitudes

The research also explored why drivers are more likely to speed under certain conditions.

Psychologist Dr Gandolfi said lighter traffic, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, often leads drivers to perceive roads as safer and enforcement as less likely.

“Generally, key factors likely include lighter traffic, more recreational driving, and drivers may perceive a lower likelihood of encountering enforcement measures,” he said.

He also warned that peer pressure and distraction can contribute to riskier behaviour, particularly among younger motorists.

“In some sub-groups, particularly younger drivers, passengers are more likely to be in the vehicle with the driver during evenings and weekends, increasing the risk of peer pressure affecting driver decision making and increasing risky behaviour,” he explained.

Dr Gandolfi added that fatigue, alcohol and reduced visibility at night can further impair judgment and speed perception.

Rising awareness 

Alongside the growth in enforcement, the number of motorists attending speed awareness courses has also increased significantly.

Police forces across England and Wales now routinely offer National Speed Awareness Courses to eligible drivers caught slightly above the speed limit instead of issuing penalty points.

The courses are designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and encourage behavioural change rather than relying solely on punishment.

Before the pandemic, more than one million drivers a year were attending speed awareness courses, according to figures from the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS), with numbers recovering strongly again following Covid disruptions.

Drivers who complete the courses avoid penalty points, although they still pay course fees, typically between £80 and £100.

Penalty points

Motorists caught speeding can face fines, penalty points, disqualification and significantly higher insurance premiums depending on the severity of the offence.

For lower-level offences, drivers are usually issued three penalty points and a £100 fixed penalty notice.

However, more serious speeding offences can result in court appearances, larger fines and driving bans.

Road safety organisations argue that cameras remain one of the most effective deterrents against dangerous speeding, particularly in built-up areas.

Critics, however, continue to accuse some councils of relying too heavily on enforcement and using cameras primarily as revenue generators.

Nevertheless, with cities increasingly prioritising lower speed limits, active travel, and casualty-reduction targets, experts believe the use of speed cameras is likely to continue to expand across the UK road network.