Petrolheads protest over new speed cameras on one of UK's best roads

2023-04-07

Petrolheads protest as average speed cameras and a 40mph limit are installed on one of Britain’s best driving roads that was lauded by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear

Five cameras are set to be installed along the Black Mountains stretch in Brecon
Read more: Britain’s most beautiful driving roads are revealed

Car lovers are furious that one of Britain’s favourite country roads has been slowed down by new average speed cameras.

The scenic Black Mountains stretch – which featured in Top Gear and was a favourite of Jeremy Clarkson – is a magnet for motorists heading to Wales for the joy of the open road.

However, much to the disappointment of locals and potential visitors, five cameras will now be put in place on the Black Mountain Pass within Beacons National Park, Brecon.

Motorbike rider Joshua White, from nearby Garnant, said it is another blow after the speed limit was cut from 60mph to 40mph.

He said: ‘The road itself and the Black Mountain brings a lot of tourism to the area – especially motorcyclists who come here in the summer and then use the pubs and the cafes and the local businesses.

The scenic Black Mountains stretch in Beacons National Park, Brecon, Wales

The beautiful stretch of road was featured in Top Gear and lauded by Jeremy Clarkson

‘These cameras will put people off coming here – there won’t be anywhere near as much tourism coming to the area. The road used to be subject to a 60mph limit.

‘My father rode on that road, and my grandfather did, and it feels like it’s been taken away from me. We don’t drive at ridiculous speeds but it is a nice ride.

‘We know the risks of driving at 60mph on that road. The limit should still be 60mph and there’s no need for these cameras – it’s going to deter a lot of tourists from coming to the community. The majority of people who come to the surrounding villages are tourists.’

Mr White said most people he has spoken to locally are against the idea of the speed cameras, but some agree with the decision.

Another poster on a riders Facebook page said: ‘Big brother state. They want to control you and take your money.’

One man said it was a shame that a ‘beautiful scenic route’ had lost its status as one of the best roads around.

He said: ‘So we actually had one of the best rated and most famous motoring roads in Europe, which attracted thousands of desperately-needed tourists into our area, which in turn helped support a variety of struggling local businesses, and the local council just blatantly threw it all out the widow.

‘I have enjoyed both riding and driving this beautiful local scenic route for my 40-plus long years of motoring.

Five new average speed cameras have been put in place along the route

Another view of Clarkson enjoying the Black Mountains stretch in an episode of Top Gear

‘The vast majority of motorists – as do I – ride and drive this route in a safe and considerate manner. All these cameras will actually achieve is creating long lines of highly-polluting, bunched-up, slow-moving traffic jams.

‘Have no illusions, these new ridiculously-placed speed cameras are being installed for one reason only: fleecing the pockets of hard-up everyday motorists.’

But another person said: ‘You’re supposed to be doing the speed limit anyway. If you can’t stick to the speed limit and safe driving you shouldn’t be on the road.’

Petrolheads protest over new speed cameras on one of UK's best roads

Petrolheads protest as average speed cameras and a 40mph limit are installed on one of Britain’s best driving roads that was lauded by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear

READ MORE: From a winding country road in Somerset to a stunning stretch through the Cairngorms: UK’s best driving roads