Almost 350 people are killed each year on the UK’s roads, according to the RAC - which is why we have speed cameras.
They work by recording a vehicle’s speed – to do this they use markings on the road or radar technology to identify the vehicle and record its speed, explains the motoring experts.
The RAC shares: “Older cameras used film to record speeding offences, but advances in technology has resulted in speed cameras being digitised.
“If a vehicle is travelling at excessive speed, two digital images are taken to work out how long it has taken the vehicle to travel between two points on the road. The images also record the vehicle’s registration, time of the offence and speed limit of the road.
@uktoday_ You should remove these 3 items from your car to save money on fuel #uknews #drivingtips #fuelpricesuk #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound - UKToday 🇬🇧 Newsquest
“In some cases, the image will include the face of the driver and the front passenger.
“Not all speed cameras will flash when they take an image of your car and some speed cameras will track your vehicle over many miles to work out its average speed.”
With this in mind, you might be wondering what speed triggers a speed camera. Let’s find out.
What speed do speed cameras get you?
Fixed speed cameras have a “set trigger” for catching people speeding, reports the RAC.
It adds: “However it is unconfirmed what most are set at so it's not worth gambling and assuming they give you 10% (above speed limit) - never exceed the speed limit.
7 Common Speed Camera Myths
“Mobile speeding cameras are operated by individuals, so it is up to their discretion to issue you a speeding fine - or worse - if you are over the legal speed limit.”
It 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.
Recommended reading:
- Do speed cameras have to be painted yellow and must they be visible?
- Do speed cameras have to be visible? Lawyers on when you can challenge the fine
- Can handheld speed cameras pull you over? How they are used by the police
“The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) recommends giving drivers a so-called ‘10% plus 2’ leeway, to aid police officers in using 'discretion', however, this is just a recommendation, not the law.
“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 RAC concludes: “The best advice is to not speed full stop.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel