THE NUMBER of drivers taken to court for speeding offences in the West Mercia Police region has leapt by more than 1,000 in the space of three years.
The rise corresponds with a soaring number of detections and the wider deployment of portable TruCam II laser cameras across Worcestershire.
In 2023, the number of ‘pinged’ drivers referred to the courts was 4,173, compared to 4,356 and 5,281 in successive years.
Over the same timeframe, speeding offences have risen by more than 40 per cent, figures released by the force show.
What is TruCam speed camera being used in Worcestershire?
The increases have coincided with the arrival of the TruCam technology in Worcestershire and new enforcement sites and processing systems.
Bernard McEldowney, a district councillor in Bromsgrove and a retired police inspector, told Worcester News: “The real question is, has there been a noticeable reduction in the number of road traffic collisions where speeding has been a contributory factor?
DETECTION: The new cameras are portable and use laser and video to catch offenders (Image: West Mercia Police)
“If that ‘ultimate aim’ of reducing collisions is not being achieved, then the force will need to look at other additional strategies, rather than simply focusing on speed detection.
“This would include things such as changing road design at major RTC hotspots, more visible police patrols, media strategies, and more fixed static, visible speed cameras.”
Cllr McEldowney added: “It is good that WMP is constantly focused on addressing speeding on our roads, as I believe it to be one of the major contributory factors to RTCs that result in the death or serious injury of people on our roads.”
Speeding up 40% as new cameras rolled out in Worcestershire
In February 2025, West Mercia Police announced new technology to combat speeding after 22 people were killed on the roads in Worcestershire in the three years to that point.
Policing teams across the county were issued with TruCam II enforcement cameras following funding by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
WARNING: Worcestershire has fixed and mobile speed cameras in operation (Image: Stephen Barnes/Getty)
Using laser and video, the devices can be used in handheld or tripod mode, allowing greater flexibility about where the technology can be used.
Mounted above the traffic, Worcestershire is the area with the largest number of fixed speed cameras managed by West Mercia Police.
Drivers are referred to court when they significantly exceed the speed limit or fail to respond to a Fixed Penalty Notice.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Our enforcement sites and collision figures are regularly monitored to ensure we are enforcing at those areas that need us most.
“Our ultimate aim is to reduce the number of collisions that happen where speeding is a contributory factor so our enforcement sites regularly change to reflect this.
“The increase is partly down to new sites coming on board, new speed enforcement technology being rolled out and also more efficient processing systems being introduced.”
