CAMPAIGNERS last night claimed North Wales' speeding threshold had been reduced. They said motorists were now being prosecuted for driving 5mph above the 30mph limit. Previously, drivers were not prosecuted until they reached speeds of 38mph. A spokeswoman for safety partner-ship Arrive Alive last night declined to discuss the threshold. But she said that motorists who observed the speed limit need not worry. Ian Glass, a member of pressure group People for Proper Policing Campaign, said he knew of someone who received a fixed penalty last week for driving at 35 mph in a 30mph zone. "We say it is because the revenue is down. They have reduced the threshold to nick a few more people," he said. "People are going to be looking at their speedometers instead of looking where they are going," Mr Glass claimed. Guidelines from the Association of Chief Police Officers - of which North Wales Police chief constable Richard Brunstrom is chairman of road policing - suggest that motorists should not be prosecuted unless they are 10% - plus two mph - over the speed limit. Arrive Alive spokeswoman Beth Mitcheson said that the guidelines allowed for a margin of error. But she said motorists must not think they can break the speed limit and avoid prosecution. "A speed limit is a speed limit whether it is 30 mph, 40mph, 50mph or 60 mph," she added. Campaigners fear the move may mean many more drivers will be prosecuted. Arrive Alive bosses have consistently dismissed suggestions that they are raising money through the safety scheme. They insist the partnership is aimed at saving lives. Its website states: "Careful drivers who adhere to the speed limits will not fund the scheme. "All monies raised from the campaign can only go to fund additional cameras. "Members of the partnership cannot use it for any other purpose other than the Arrive Alive safety camera campaign." Money raised from speeding fines is reinvested in cameras, enforcement officers, equipment, education and administration. The website adds: "These are additional resources which do not detract from other policing duties. "All officers involved in the project are paid for by speeding motorists, therefore freeing up money to pay for additional officers for North Wales Police. "Breaking the speed limit is against the law. Motorists should be aware that if they exceed that limit, the risk of detection is high." | 
