It is now almost 25 year since speed cameras were introduced in the UK. Since then millions drivers has been caught.
But here are some common myths about speed cameras:
1. Not all speed cameras work, some are switched off: True
Various Freedom of Information requests have revealed that some speed cameras are not fully operational in the UK.
But there's no way of knowing whether they are or not, so they still act as a deterrent to speeders.
2. You have to be speeding at least 10% of the limit plus 2mph, to get caught: False (sort of)
The law states that a driver can receive a speeding ticket as soon as they exceed the speed limit on a road, even if that is only by 1mph.
However, guidance provided by the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council, formally ACPO, Association of Chief Police Officers), suggests that officers do not seek prosecution of a driver until they have exceeded the speed limit by 10 per cent, plus 2mph.
Officers do have the discretion to act outside it and drivers should be aware that this guidance also does not mean that they can break the speed limit legally.
3. If you slow down for the camera then speed up again, you won't get caught: Depends on the camera
Average speed cameras work to prevent this kind of dangerous driving and act as a deterrent to drivers who may not be detected by fixed cameras. But remember, if you do speed up after slowing down for a camera, and end up breaking the speed limit, you might not get a ticket, but you're still breaking the law.
4. If you drive really fast, you won't trigger the camera: False
This one really is just complete rubbish. The only way to avoid triggering the camera is the stick within the speed limit.
5. Average speed cameras don't really work and that's why some people ignore them: False
Average speed cameras are actually very effective. They enforce limits over a longer stretch of road, preventing law-breaking drivers from being able to speed up again immediately after passing a camera.
6. Speed cameras must be painted yellow to be legal: False
The government has announced plans for all speed cameras in England to be painted yellow, but if you're caught on a grey camera before that happens, the offence is still valid.
7. You must be notified within a certain amount of time for a speeding penalty to be valid: True
A driver who is caught by a speed camera, rather than a police officer, must be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days. The notice will go to the individual who the vehicle is registered to.
8. You can request a speed awareness course: False
Those eligible for a course will be notified by the police. If you haven't been offered one, I'm afraid you're out of luck.
9. You can do a speed awareness course more than once: Sometimes true
Drivers who are caught speeding for a second time may be able to do a second course, depending on the severity of the offence. However, this cannot be within three years of the first speed awareness course, according to guidelines.
10. If you get a speed awareness course, you don't have to declare it on your insurance: False
If you fail to reveal that you've undertaken a speed awareness course, and then later make a claim to your insurance provider, you may find your policy is invalid. Information on whether a driver has taken a speed awareness course is held by local police forces.
11. Speed cameras are just there to make money: False
Police and road safety charities will tell you that speed cameras exist to save lives, and protect road users. Payments go directly to the Treasury.
12. You can get caught on a bicycle or a horse: False
You'd have to be going pretty fast to do so, but even if you were, you wouldn't be given a ticket.
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