A NOTORIOUS speed camera in Woodford Green has caught more people breaking the limit than any other device in the country, it has been claimed.

The ‘Gatso’ device, on the southbound carriageway of the M11 near Woodford Green Athletics Club, is estimated to have generated nearly £1 million in revenue over the past year.

While the news has been welcomed by safety groups, who say it shows the camera is working, some furious motorists caught out by the camera argue it should be removed.

Professional musician Hamish Birchall, who has long campaigned against the device, said: “I don’t think it follows that just because you’ve caught people going over the speed limit you have prevented accidents.

“It’s a scandal. The data suggests this camera is causing accidents but the only reason they’re keeping it up is because it makes so much money.

“I’ve written to the Transport Minister about it but he hasn’t replied to any of my letters.”

But the Highways Agency said the camera was playing a vital role in saving lives.

A spokesman for the agency said: “The camera on the M11 has been successful in addressing the cluster of collisions occurring approximately 900 metres (1000 yards) south of the current camera location, which is what the camera was installed to do.

“The accident data does not show a pattern of accidents which would be consistent with the camera itself being a factor.

“If the camera were a factor in these accidents a cluster of nose to tail type accidents would be expected close to the camera site.

“The analysis carried out with the available data does not show this.”

He added: “The best safety camera is the one which takes no fines at all, but deters drivers from speeding.”

The camera was also named the most money-making in the country in 2003.

Helena Houghton, of road safety group Brake, said: "Speed cameras are proven life-savers and an important tool in the ongoing bid to cut road death and injury.

"They don’t catch anyone who isn’t breaking the law.

"Some drivers clearly are still not persuaded of the importance of respecting speed limits, but knowing there is a high chance that they will be punished for speeding can encourage them to drive responsibly."