What are the rules of Speed Cameras in United Kingdom?

Speed cameras have become an essential part of road safety in the United Kingdom, loved by some and despised by others.

These guardians of our roads help ensure that drivers stick to the legal speed limits, reducing the chances of accidents and saving countless lives.

Despite being introduced over two decades ago, many motorists are still unsure about the rules concerning speed cameras, including what to expect if you're caught speeding and if there's any way to avoid or contest those dreaded fines.

In this blog post, we will explore the intricate world of UK speed cameras, so you can navigate our roads with confidence, knowing exactly what's expected of you and what you need to avoid.

Speed cameras have become an essential tool in promoting road safety across the United Kingdom.

A survey conducted by Populus in June 2019 revealed that 8 out of 10 respondents viewed speed cameras as a necessary measure to identify vehicles involved in speeding offences.

Over the years, these cameras have proven effective in reducing accidents and fatalities, as an LSE study found that from 1992 to 2016, speed cameras reduced accidents by 17%-39% and fatalities by 58%-68%.

With a myriad of speed camera types, such as Gatso, Truvelo, and SPECS, it's crucial for drivers to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations surrounding these devices.

The main purpose of speed cameras in the United Kingdom is to ensure road safety by monitoring and enforcing speed limits.

These cameras act as a visual deterrent, helping to reduce the number of speeding incidents and encouraging responsible driving.

By keeping drivers within the speed limits, the likelihood of accidents and fatalities decreases significantly, ultimately contributing to overall road safety for all users.

Through a combination of static, mobile and average speed cameras, the UK aims to maintain and improve road safety across the country.

The legal basis for the use of speed cameras in the United Kingdom can be traced back to several legislative acts.

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 outlines that exceeding the speed limit is an offence, while the Road Traffic Act 1991 and the Highways Act 1980 grant local authorities the power to install speed cameras, and allow camera-generated evidence to be used in proceedings for speeding offences.

These acts help establish a legally enforceable framework to penalise and deter drivers who break speed limits, ultimately enhancing road safety for all users.

The Department of Transport (DoT) guidelines aim to ensure the effective and consistent use of speed cameras across the UK. Some key aspects of these guidelines include:

- Colouring speed camera housings in yellow for improved visibility
- Ensuring camera housings are not obscured by trees, bushes or signs
- Requiring cameras to be visible from specific distances (60m in 40mph zones; 100m in other speed limit zones)
- Placing signs only in areas with camera housings or mobile camera operations
- Ensuring mobile speed camera operators wear fluorescent clothing and use marked vehicles
- Conducting regular reviews of camera sites to maintain proper visibility and signage

While not adhering to these guidelines is not a valid defence for a speeding offence, their purpose is to promote safety and fairness on the roads.

Mobile Speed Camera Rules are crucial for maintaining road safety in the UK. These rules ensure that speed enforcement is carried out fairly and effectively. Some key points to note include:

- Mobile speed cameras are typically placed in accident hotspots
- Operators must wear fluorescent clothing and have reflective strips on their vehicles
- Signage should be visible where a mobile camera is in operation
- Regular testing and reviews of mobile speed cameras are essential
- Police officers have the discretion to enforce different levels and rules when using mobile speed cameras.

By adhering to these rules, the UK aims to create a safer driving environment for all.

In the United Kingdom, warning signs are typically set up in areas where speed cameras are placed to promote safety and compliance. These signs not only inform drivers of the presence of speed cameras but also serve as a reminder to watch their speed. Essential aspects of warning signs for speed cameras include:

- Clearly visible and appropriately placed signage
- Use of familiar symbols and graphics to indicate speed cameras
- Located in accident-prone areas and near enforcement equipment

As drivers, it is crucial to stay vigilant on the roads and be aware of these warning signs to avoid speeding offences and ensure a safer driving experience.

While flashing headlights to alert other drivers about upcoming speed cameras might seem like a considerate act, the practice is not encouraged and can lead to severe consequences.

According to Rule 110 of the Highway Code, headlights should only be flashed to let other road users know about one's presence, and not to convey any other messages or intimidate other drivers.

Furthermore, warning drivers about speed cameras can be considered a breach of Section 89 of the Police Act 1997, which could result in a hefty £1,000 fine or even imprisonment for up to one month.

Tolerance levels for speeding offences in the UK vary depending on the specific police force area. Generally, many forces follow the tolerance of 10% plus 2 mph above the speed limit before a speed camera activates. For example, on a 30 mph road, the camera might not trigger unless a car reaches 35 mph or faster. It's important to note that these tolerance levels are not an excuse for breaking the speed limit and should not be relied upon as a defense.

- Tolerance levels can differ between police forces and types of speed cameras
- The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) allows a 10% + 2 mph tolerance for speeding before taking punitive action
- Tolerance levels exist to improve driver safety by preventing constant checking of the speedometer.

In the UK, penalties for speeding offences range from fines to potential disqualification from driving. The penalties are categorized into Band A, Band B, and Band C, depending on the severity of the offence:

- Minimum penalty: £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence
- Fines can be up to 175% of your weekly income, with a maximum of £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways)
- Band C offences involve the most severe penalties
- Incurring 12 points within four years may result in losing your licence
- Six points within the first two years of holding a full UK licence may require retaking the test

It's essential to be aware of the consequences and stay within the speed limits to avoid these penalties and ensure safety on the road.

Staying safe and compliant on UK roads is essential for reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining a secure driving environment.

To achieve this, it is crucial for drivers to be aware of the speed limits and adhere to them. With the UK government's enforcement measures, such as speed cameras and site selection criteria, driving safety is continuously being enhanced.

As responsible road users, it is our duty to support these efforts and prioritize road safety at all times. The key takeaway points include:

- The UK government takes road safety seriously through enforcement measures like speed cameras.
- Site selection criteria play a vital role in the effectiveness of speed camera implementation.
- Adherence to speed limits reduces the risk of accidents and fatalities.
- Public support and awareness are critical for creating a safer driving environment.

By staying informed and proactive, we contribute to a safer travel experience for everyone on the road.

Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?

While there is no legal requirement for speed vans to be visible at all times, it is viewed as a best practice for their operations to maintain a visible presence. This is done in order to act as a deterrent and to help promote safety for drivers in the area while also educating them about the dangers of speeding. The approach has been endorsed by Gareth, a spokesperson for the organization who explained that because the goal is to be fair, educational, and prevent accidents, it makes sense to remain visible in the performance of their duties.

Can officers only catch motorists travelling in one direction?

No. Any car that passes a Go Safe van is recorded on the officer's camera. So if you're exceeding the speed limit whether you're driving in the same or opposite direction to the van, you can expect a speeding ticket. Notably, Go Safe vans are mobile speed cameras and have no limit in the direction in which they can issue fixed penalty notices to speeding motorists, so even if you're travelling against the flow of traffic, you could still be liable for a ticket.

It is true that the 10 percent rule exists?

The 10 percent rule has been widely accepted as a guideline for motorists to abide by when travelling on North Wales roads. This means that as long as your speed does not exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 percent plus 1mph, you are unlikely to be punished for a speeding offence. However, it is important to note that speed limits and thresholds can vary or change suddenly without notice, so always drive carefully and according to the posted speed limits.

Are officers a revenue collector for the Government?

Police officers are not revenue collectors for the Government. Instead, they are tasked with ensuring public safety and preventing crime. Their priority is to enforce the law, which includes careful monitoring of speed limits on roads. If the officer does not encounter any drivers breaking the speed limit, they know they have accomplished their mission and helped keep the roads safe for everyone. Therefore, the goal of a police officer is not to collect revenue for the government, but rather to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the public.

Can I get caught speeding more than once on the same day by the same camera?

The bottom line is that if you are caught speeding more than once by the same camera then you may be at risk of totting up a prohibitive number of points on your driving licence.

If you are caught speeding by the same camera on the same day, you could risk a penalty points disqualification (totting-up) if you accept a fixed penalty for each offence. Go Safe practice holds that if you are caught twice in 20 minutes, this is treated as a single offence.

That being said, it is possible to be caught multiple times on the same journey. For example, if there were several speed cameras placed on the same road or motorway, you could be at risk of being caught multiple times.

The courts have the discretion to consider multiple offences as one occurrence, if they are deemed to have been committed "on the same occasion". For example, if the offences were committed within a few minutes of each other, the court may decide to impose only one set of points. Every case will depend on its specific facts and circumstances.

Ultimately, if you are caught speeding more than once by the same camera then you are in danger of totting up a prohibitive amount of points on your driving licence. It is important to take extra care when travelling to prevent being in this situation.

Is it illegal to obstruct a vans view of the road?

Yes. Obstructing a GoSafe vans field of view during its operational duties is an offence and you can be prosecuted for it.

Do officers enforce anything other than speeding?

Officers also enforce drinking and drinking related offences. If someone is suspected of drink driving they will be required to take a breath test and prosecuted if found to be over the legal limit.

Furthermore, police officers enforce a wide range of other laws and regulations, such as enforcing parking restrictions, incidents of anti-social behaviour and assisting in searches for missing persons.

Police officers also often act as a deterrent against crime and, together with preventative measures, work to ensure public safety.

Officers are there to make sure you are wearing a seatbelt and are not using your mobile phones behind the wheel.

Is it illegal to eat behind the wheel?

No, it's not. However, if you get distracted while snacking behind the wheel, the police could prosecute you for careless driving.

Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?

It is not illegal to flash your headlights in order to alert other motorists of a GoSafe speed van. Nevertheless, care should be taken not to obstruct police officers in the course of their duties, as this could be considered an offense under the Police Act 1997.

Flashing headlights is a common practice among drivers as a way to inform others of a speed van and serve as a speed deterrent, though it is not always easy to prove that someone was indeed obstructing a police officer. Ultimately, drivers should evaluate the risk before deciding to flash their lights.

How long do GoSafe speed vans tend to stay at one particular spot?

90 minutes usually. During an 8 hour shift a van will visit 3 different spots across the region.

Who decides where GoSafe speed vans park up?

The decision as to where Go Safe speed vans will be parked up is made by the authorities which are the Police England, Welsh or Scottish Chiefs. Go Safe works collaboratively with them in assessing or confirm the traffic speed data and any high accident locations. Reasons can involve:

• Death or serious injury has occurred at the location.

• Speeds in the area have been recorded as significantly high.

• Speeding concerns have been raised by residents and those concerns have been corroborated by a traffic speed survey.

• Go Safe are supporting a police enforcement campaign.

This helps them to decide on which areas should have enforcement so that it can be targeted effectively to reduce the number of road casualties.

What happens if I am caught speeding?

If you are caught speeding, the consequences you may face will vary depending on the circumstances. You could receive a minimum of a £100 fine and three points to being disqualified from driving. The more serious the offence, the more severe the consequences can be.

To avoid the consequences of speeding, the best option is to adhere to the posted speed limit. If you are caught going more than 10% plus 9mph of the speed limit, you are unlikely to be offered the speed awareness course as an alternative to the punishments.

Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points.

Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.