A Torbay taxi driver who picked up three speeding tickets – two of them at the same camera four days apart – has been given a formal written warning.
The driver was caught out twice within four days by the much-criticised new camera on the Ashburton Road in Newton Abbot, which caught 6,000 drivers in its first three months.
Critics say the camera is practically hidden from view.
The un-named taxi driver appeared before a meeting of Torbay Council’s regulatory sub-committee, which heard that he had been caught spending three times in nine months, collecting nine points on his licence in the process.
A report of the meeting, which was held without press or public present, said the driver had recognised the seriousness of getting nine points.
He had not been aware of the first Ashburton Road ticket when he got the second one, with the speed limit having been reduced from 40mph to 30mph. He was on a new school run and was not aware of the change.
He had not sped intentionally and admitted his mistake.
In response to other matters raised during the hearing, he said he had been forced to wait outside the designated taxi zone in Torquay’s Fleet Street because food delivery drivers had clogged it up. He regretted doing it and would not do it again.
He also explained his reasons for refusing a fare from a woman who appeared drunk, and had a young child.
A report of the meeting said: “Members felt that the respondent appreciated the gravity of these offences occurring in the course of his professional duty.”
Councillors said they were disappointed that the driver had not notified the council of the offences within the required time of 48 hours.
They decided to issue a formal written warning which will stay in place for three years.
The driver was also told to familiarise himself with council taxi policies.
The Ashburton Road speed camera has attracted criticism, but has been backed by local councillors, one of whom told a recent meeting drivers should ‘own the consequences of their actions’ and slow down.
Teignbridge Council members rejected a motion asking why the camera had been installed, who decided when and where it should be installed, and how many people had been issued with tickets for doing 35mph or less?
Another councillor said the camera was almost invisible, and did not conform to regulations.
The Devon and Cornwall Police Road Safety Team says it installed the camera in conjunction with Devon County Council and the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
It is within 300 metres of a children’s play park, family centre and sheltered accommodation, and there have been nine ‘injury collisions’ on the road in the last five years.
Camera warning signs were put up, despite them not being a legal requirement.
Police say the number of times the camera is activated is falling every month, proving it is doing its job of slowing drivers.
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