Speed camera myths from flashing headlights to 10% speeding rule

A former police officer has explained the laws and dismissed the myths surrounding speed cameras

A former police officer has discussed the laws and myths surrounding speed cameras. After the first speed camera was installed in the UK back in 1991, drivers have been trying to trick the system and avoid being caught.

But this has caused false claims about how speed cameras work. Back in 2019, NorthWalesLive^[1] tried to separate fact from fiction and spent the day with Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer Gareth Thomas, to dispel any false claims.

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The former North Wales Police officer explained exactly how speed cameras work and the truth behind some of the most popular myths and claims.

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

No. There are no laws about visibility, so there is nothing stopping an officer 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.

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Gareth, 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 speeding right away."

It is true that the 10% rule exists?

Yes. You will not get a ticket provided your speed does not exceed the limit by more than 10%, Gareth says. So for example, travelling at 35mph or above in a 30mph zone will be recorded as a speeding offence.

However, thresholds vary and can change without notice. Officially, any speeding offence occurs at 1mph above the limit, but most forces will allow a variance.

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Are officers a revenue collector for the Government?

No. Gareth, explained: "We're not here to get figures or to make money. We're just here to catch the people who are speeding.

"If I get a day where I don't get any drivers speeding, then I know I've done my job. If I've been working an eight hour shift, I just hope at least one person that day has escaped injury or a crash has been avoided."

Do officers enforce anything other than speeding?

Yes. Officers are there to make sure you are wearing a seatbelt and are not using your mobile phones behind the wheel. Anyone caught breaking these laws will be prosecuted.

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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. Gareth, said: "It is endorsable. I had one lady in view once and she was looking in the mirror and putting lipstick on.

"She was riding on the cats eyes in the centre of the road and veering. I recommended that she was prosecuted for driving without due care and attention."

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

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".

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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."

What happens if I am caught speeding?

It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were in excess of 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.

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"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.