It’s been a rough week for drivers in Gloucestershire — and an even tougher one for anyone rushing through the A417 “Missing Link” roadworks. More than 13,000 motorists have now been caught and prosecuted for speeding through the temporary 40mph zone, in what National Highways is calling a “disturbing disregard for safety.”
Thousands Fined on the A417 “Missing Link”
The crackdown was revealed on Tuesday, confirming that over ten thousand on-the-spot fines have been issued since cameras were installed along the notorious stretch between Nettleton Bottom and Cowley.
Many drivers reportedly “didn’t realise” the limit had dropped from the usual 70mph to 40mph as part of the £460 million A417 Missing Link upgrade — a project meant to finally fix one of the South West’s most dangerous bottlenecks.
But ignorance, as it turns out, is expensive. Each offence carries a £100 fine and three penalty points, and police say enforcement will continue for as long as construction is active.
Safety Before Speed
The message from National Highways couldn’t be clearer: slow down or face the consequences.
Céline Acard, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said bluntly, “Safety is our number one priority. Tens of thousands use this section every day, but for the sake of saving a minute or two, some drivers are putting lives at risk.”
She added that construction crews — many working overnight shifts just metres from live traffic — deserve the right to do their jobs “without the threat of being maimed or killed by someone recklessly speeding through the roadworks.”
The A417 upgrade is one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the region, connecting Brockworth to Cowley with a new 3.4-mile dual carriageway designed to reduce congestion and improve safety.
The Stark Numbers
| Detail | Data / Statement |
|---|---|
| Location | A417 Missing Link (Gloucestershire) |
| Current Speed Limit | 40 mph (temporary) |
| Number of Drivers Prosecuted | 13,000+ |
| Penalty | £100 fine + 3 licence points |
| Estimated Delay at 40mph | Less than 1 minute longer |
| Project Completion | Expected 2027 |
| Lead Authority | National Highways & Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership |
That last stat — “less than a minute” — seems to be the one officials are most frustrated by. In their view, drivers are risking £100 fines, penalty points, and potential collisions just to save about 50 seconds of journey time.
“Speed Limits Are There for a Reason”
Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Gloucestershire’s Road Safety Partnership, backed the enforcement measures.
“It may sound like a cliché, but speed limits are there for a reason — to keep everyone safe,” Evans said. “That’s especially true around roadworks, where roadworkers are incredibly vulnerable, and the road is not in its normal state.”
He added that too many people are killed or seriously injured on Gloucestershire’s roads each year — and that targeted speed enforcement around danger zones is “a necessary step to stop families from losing loved ones.”
Evans struck a human note too: “I’d rather no one got caught. That would mean everyone’s driving responsibly. Please think of the workers — they’ve got families expecting them home.”
Cameras Stay On, Fines Keep Coming
According to National Highways, the cameras were installed precisely because of repeated speeding incidents through the works zone. And early data shows they’ve already made a measurable difference, with average speeds falling closer to the 40mph mark since enforcement began.
Still, the agency isn’t backing off. Officials have warned that cameras will remain “fully active” until construction finishes in 2027.
The A417 Missing Link has long been infamous for its accident record — with frequent congestion, dangerous overtaking, and sudden braking contributing to dozens of serious collisions. Once completed, the new dual carriageway should smooth traffic flow and eliminate risky turns, making it one of the safest A-road stretches in the South West.
Why Drivers Are Getting Caught
Locals say the issue partly stems from inconsistent signage and long stretches of empty lane where drivers forget the limit has dropped. But National Highways insists signs are “clearly visible” and positioned according to safety standards.
A quick drive along the route confirms that multiple speed camera warnings are posted — meaning most offenders are either unaware or simply ignoring the change.
The Bigger Picture: Speeding Still a National Problem
According to UK government road safety data, speeding contributes to nearly half of all serious road collisions nationwide. Even a small drop in speed drastically improves survival rates in the event of impact — a fact often overlooked by regular commuters.
And while the A417 figures are alarming, enforcement like this is increasingly common across major UK roadworks. Similar fines were issued last year on the M4 Smart Motorway section, where cameras clocked thousands of drivers over the 50mph limit during construction.
Public Reaction
Reaction among local residents has been mixed. Some have praised the enforcement, saying they’ve witnessed cars “flying through the cones” as if it were still a motorway. Others have argued that signage could be clearer, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
But few are questioning the need for safety. With workers regularly operating within arm’s reach of live traffic, and heavy machinery constantly shifting layout, even a moment of distraction or excess speed could prove catastrophic.
What It Means Going Forward
If there’s a takeaway from all this, it’s simple — the 40mph limit is there for a reason. National Highways says that obeying it adds less than a minute to your journey but could literally save a life.
The A417 project will continue for another two years, and enforcement cameras aren’t going anywhere. So, whether you’re a daily commuter or just passing through, slow down — or prepare to pay up.
FAQs:
Why is the speed limit on the A417 only 40mph?
Because of ongoing construction work on the Missing Link project. The lower limit protects both road users and workers.
How many people have been fined so far?
Over 13,000 drivers have received fines or penalties for exceeding the 40mph limit.
How long will the roadworks and speed cameras remain in place?
Until at least 2027, when the A417 upgrade is expected to be completed.
