Speed you can drive before cameras catch you

The speed limit is the speed limit, but many drivers wrongly think there's an established buffer before they'll get caught out by speed cameras. Car experts say there's one piece of advice to follow

19:31, 20 Jul 2025Updated 19:31, 20 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered just how much you can creep above the speed limit[1] before being caught by a speed camera? With approximately 350 fatalities occurring each year on British roads, maintaining speed limit enforcement remains vital for road safety.

Motoring specialists at BigWantsYourCar.com are warning drivers against relying on rumours or guesswork regarding speed restrictions[2] and provide one crucial piece of "best advice".

"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 breaking the law," an expert from the company warned, reports the Mirror[3].

How speed cameras operate

"Not all cameras flash anymore," the specialist pointed out. "Some operate silently and some mobile units are manually operated - so relying on a flash as a warning is a risky game."

These sophisticated digital devices record:

• The speed of the vehicle
• The time and place of the offence
• The vehicle's registration details
• The applicable road speed limit

On occasion they can even capture a clear photograph of the driver and any passengers.

What speed actually triggers a speed camera?

Debunking a widespread driving misconception, there's no legally established "10% plus 2mph" tolerance.

The expert spokesperson 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."

Whilst the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)[4] recommends a "10% plus 2mph" allowance to permit officer discretion, it's not guaranteed and can vary by region or officer.

Mobile speed cameras versus fixed speed cameras Regarding speed enforcement, fixed cameras typically operate with a non-publicised activation threshold, whereas mobile cameras allow for greater discretion. "Mobile speed units are particularly unpredictable," the specialist remarked, highlighting their frequent deployment in areas deemed high-risk, which can result in more stringent application of the law.

The best course of action

Steer clear of any temptation.

The expert's unambiguous counsel is to resist any urge to flout speed restrictions. They cautioned: "Don't gamble with the grey area," underlining the perils associated with even minor breaches of speed limits, which could lead to penalties, points on one's licence, or even court appearances.

They warned: "If you're even slightly over the limit, you're putting your licence, insurance and safety at risk. No journey is worth that."

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References

1. ^ speed limit (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
2. ^ speed restrictions (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
3. ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
5. ^ sign up to receive it here (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)