Speed camera boss banned

The boss of a firm making bike-catching average-speed cameras has been banned from driving after admitting doing over 100mph.

Tom Riall, a chief executive of Serco, the firm behind Gatso speed cameras, was clocked by police at 102.92mph in a Volvo estate on the A14 in Newmarket, Suffolk, on January 1.

The 49-year-old was banned for six months and given six points by Sudbury magistrates on Wednesday. 

The court heard he had a previous speeding offence. 

Serco is the biggest speed camera firm in the UK with more than 4,000 installations. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists have been caught by its rear-facing Gatsos.

A new version which measures average speed over distances is due to be approved within 18 months and “earmarked” for sites in Kent and Scotland, according to the firm.

Riall, from Ufton Nervet near Reading, is responsible for installing and maintaining the cameras.

The married father of three told the court a ban might effect his “long term aspirations” to keep his children in their private schools.

He was fined £300 and order to pay £46 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.