Huntingdonshire Constabulary

The Buckden Speed Trap

At the beginning of the 20^th Century the Great North Road ran through the village of Buckden. To deter motorists from speeding, the Huntingdonshire Constabulary stationed policemen in the main street to time motorists over a measured stretch of road. Anyone travelling faster than 20 miles per hour was charged with 'driving to the common danger'. In 1906, 168 drivers were convicted of this offence and fined more than £1200 between them. The area became known as the 'Buckden Speed Trap'!