A MOTORIST was left worrying for his job after almost being taken to court when the ‘busiest speed camera in Britain’ triggered whilst he was under the speed limit.

NHS IT engineer, Nathan Thompson was on his way back from the Isle of Wight just before midnight on August 11 after catching the Red Funnel ferry to Southampton when he was flashed by the speed camera on Maybray King Way in Bitterne.

In 2019 the camera was branded the busiest speed camera in the country, having been triggered an average of 70 times a day between 2015 and 2017.

But 37-year-old Nathan had proof that he was actually travelling at 25mph in the 30mph zone as a result of dash camera footage in the motorhome he was travelling in.

Having received a letter saying that he could be prosecuted for travelling in excess of 50mph, the Botley resident argued his case and days later received another letter saying the case had been dropped.

Hampshire Police have since admitted that there is an issue with the camera and said the problem has arisen on two separate occasions.

Although relieved that it is not being taken any further, now Nathan has been left wondering how many other people have been left in this situation.

Daily Echo: GPS footage of Nathan Thompson travelling at 25mph past the Maybray King Way speed camera. GPS footage of Nathan Thompson travelling at 25mph past the Maybray King Way speed camera.

He told the Echo: “If I was in a hire car or a work car and from outside the area and I didn’t have proof of going 25mph I’d have had to pay it, so I wonder how many other people have been in a similar situation with that camera as it's the most profitable in the country.

“If I didn’t have the evidence that I was going 25mph, then it would have ended up with me going to court. I’d have lost my job. That technology shouldn’t go wrong. It has the potential to seriously ruin lives.”

He added that he is now annoyed that the camera is still there.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We are aware of an issue with the camera on Maybray King Way, which can lead to incorrect readings with vehicles with a high flat rear.

“Our Summary Justice Unit has thorough processes in place to ensure that we prevent any incorrect prosecutions occurring.

“There have been two cases in which we have identified this issue and have stopped proceedings.”