Latest news with #NationalPoliceChiefs'Council
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Expert debunks '10% speed camera myth' and explains how fines are determined
A motoring expert has revealed how speed cameras operate and whether there's a 10% leeway for speeding penalties. They have also clarified the legislation and explained what speed actually activates a camera. With nearly 350 individuals losing their lives on Britain's roads annually, speed enforcement continues to be a crucial element of road safety. Now vehicle valuation specialists at are cautioning motorists against depending on misconceptions or speculation regarding speed restrictions. A spokesperson said: "We regularly speak with drivers who think there's a guaranteed buffer. But the truth is, as soon as you exceed the speed limit, you're technically breaking the law." How speed cameras actually work Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. 'Not all cameras flash anymore,' explains the expert. 'Some operate silently, and some mobile units are manually operated – so relying on a flash as a warning is a risky game.' These digital systems record: Vehicle speed Time and location of the offence Vehicle registration Road speed limit In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. What speed triggers a camera? Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. 'The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear,' the spokesperson says. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case, the Chronicle Live reported. Mobile cameras vs fixed cameras Fixed cameras typically have a set trigger speed, though the exact threshold is rarely published. Mobile cameras, on the other hand, are operated manually – and decisions to issue fines can depend on how far over the limit you are and the circumstances. 'Mobile speed units are particularly unpredictable,' says 'They're often deployed in accident-prone zones, so officers tend to take a tougher stance.' Don't risk it With speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances, the best strategy is simple. 'Don't gamble with the grey area,' warns the team. 'If you're even slightly over the limit, you're putting your licence, insurance, and safety at risk. No journey is worth that.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers given speeding 'buffer' alert as expert explains 10% rule
Most people think that 'the 10% rule' will protect them from minor mishaps with speed cameras - but that's not true A motoring expert has claimed that not many drivers realise how speed cameras really operate. They added that some people are playing a "risky game" by not knowing the exact speed that triggers them. Drivers have been given a reminder that, just because a camera hasn't flashed, it doesn't guarantee they've escaped. With nearly 350 people losing their lives on Britain's roads each year, speed enforcement remains a crucial component of road safety. Now, car valuation specialists at are warning motorists against relying on myths or guesswork when it comes to speed limits, reports the Mirror. A spokesperson said: "We regularly speak with drivers who think there's a guaranteed buffer. But the truth is, as soon as you exceed the speed limit, you're technically breaking the law." How speed cameras actually work: Speed cameras function using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's velocity and capture evidence of any violation. Whilst older cameras used film, most modern devices are completely digital and can even track your average speed across many miles. "Not all cameras flash anymore," explains the expert. "Some operate silently, and some mobile units are manually operated – so relying on a flash as a warning is a risky game." In some instances, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. These digital systems record: Vehicle speed Time and location of the offence Vehicle registration Road speed limit What speed sets off a camera? Contrary to common belief, there isn't a definitive "10% rule" in law. "The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear," the spokesperson said. "Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit." Whilst the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does suggest a "10% plus 2" margin to allow for police discretion, this is not a legal requirement and can vary based on the enforcement area or the officer in charge. There's a difference to be noted between mobile and fixed cameras. Fixed cameras usually have a predetermined trigger speed, but the exact figure is often kept a closely guarded secret to avoid people taking advantage. Mobile cameras, on the other hand, are operated manually which means the decision to issue fines can depend on how much you exceed the speed limit and the specific situation. "Mobile speed units are particularly unpredictable," the spokesperson said. "They're frequently set up in areas known for accidents, leading officers to adopt a stricter approach." According to average speed cameras are different to normal fixed and mobile speed cameras. Average speed cameras check your speed over several miles, rather than measuring your speed over a short distance. This means they should be more accurate and so might not have the same tolerance levels as other speed cameras. With speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances, the best strategy is straightforward. "Don't gamble with the grey area," warns the team. "If you're even slightly over the limit, you're putting your licence, insurance, and safety at risk. No journey is worth that." These tolerances aren't an excuse for breaking the speed limit. The Metropolitan police said that no matter what the threshold, drivers should always stick to the speed limit and never exceed it.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers given 'silent' alert about 10% speed camera 'buffer' rule
A motoring expert has explained the law around speed cameras and said what speed actually triggers a camera A motoring expert has shared how speed cameras actually operate and what speed actually sets off a camera. People were warned that just because they didn't see a camera flash, it doesn't mean they're in the clear either. With nearly 350 people losing their lives on Britain's roads each year, speed enforcement continues to be an important element of road safety. Now, car valuation specialists at are warning motorists against relying on myths or speculation regarding speed limits, reports Chronicle Live. A spokesperson said: "We regularly speak with drivers who think there's a guaranteed buffer. But the truth is, as soon as you exceed the speed limit, you're technically breaking the law." How speed cameras actually work: Speed cameras operate using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's velocity and capture evidence of any violation. Whilst older cameras utilised film, most contemporary devices are completely digital and can even track your average speed across many miles. "Not all cameras flash anymore," explains the expert. "Some operate silently, and some mobile units are manually operated – so relying on a flash as a warning is a risky game." In some instances, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. These digital systems record: Vehicle speed Time and location of the offence Vehicle registration Road speed limit What speed sets off a camera? Contrary to popular belief, there is no hard-and-fast "10% rule" in law. "The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear," says the spokesperson. "Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit." While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does suggest a "10% plus 2" margin to allow for police discretion, this is not a legal requirement and can differ based on the enforcement area or the officer in charge. There's a distinction to be made between mobile and fixed cameras. Fixed cameras usually have a predetermined trigger speed, but the exact figure is often kept a closely guarded secret. Mobile cameras, however, are operated by hand. This means the decision to issue fines can hinge on how much you exceed the speed limit and the specific situation. "Mobile speed units are particularly unpredictable," the spokesperson said. "They're frequently set up in areas known for accidents, leading officers to adopt a stricter approach." With speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances, the best strategy is simple. 'Don't gamble with the grey area,' warns the team. 'If you're even slightly over the limit, you're putting your licence, insurance, and safety at risk. No journey is worth that.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Rhyl Journal
Car expert explains what speed will trigger a speed camera
However, many drivers are unaware of how speed cameras actually work – with several myths being widely believed across the UK. Though regardless of how much you know about speed cameras, with speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances the best advice is to not risk it. (Image: KevinHolt/Getty) Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. These digital systems record: In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. Experts from explained: ''The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case. RAC advice adds: 'The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and could receive a fine. 'It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not. 'The best advice is to not speed full stop.' Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But 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. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Car expert explains what speed will trigger a speed camera
However, many drivers are unaware of how speed cameras actually work – with several myths being widely believed across the UK. Though regardless of how much you know about speed cameras, with speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances the best advice is to not risk it. (Image: KevinHolt/Getty) Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. These digital systems record: In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. Experts from explained: ''The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case. RAC advice adds: 'The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and could receive a fine. 'It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not. 'The best advice is to not speed full stop.' Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But 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. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
