MORE than £1 million is being collected each year in speeding fines from drivers in Northern Ireland.
Since 2012, almost £4.5m has been paid in fines from motorists caught by speed cameras.
The figure, which has stayed at around £1m for each of the last three years, jumped by almost £350,000 last year.
The figures were released by Justice Minister Claire Sugden in response to an Assembly Question from Ulster Unionist North Antrim MLA Robin Swann.
Mr Swann told The Irish News: "It is welcome that speed cameras are catching those who are speeding on our roads, and that those found to be speeding are rightly sanctioned.
"However, I do have concerns that the funds raised from such fines are not being re-invested back into the department to improve road safety, and are instead lying elsewhere."
The chairman of the Public Accounts Committee added: "I have asked a number of Assembly questions to the Justice Minister on this subject, which have so far gone unanswered."
In 2013 The Irish News revealed that drivers were caught speeding the equivalent of 132 times every day and that motorists were routinely speeding at more than 100mph, with the Frosses Road outside Ballymoney regularly registering the fastest speeds.
Motorists caught breaking the speed limit by a speed camera are issued with fixed penalty notices worth £60 and given three penalty points.
