Speed camera myths that could ‘get you off a fine’ exposed by police

A police force has published a list of common misconceptions around the use of speed cameras - many of which could help drivers get off a fine

10:58, 15 Aug 2025

Mobile radar speed safety camera unit parked at the side of a city road checking traffic speed in the UK

Mobile radar speed safety camera units can be parked at the side of a road (Image: BrianAJackson via Getty Images)

A police force has debunked the 'myths' that motorists cling to about speed cameras - many of which they reckon could help them dodge a fine. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership set out on its website just how mistaken drivers can be - and how the law actually works.[1]

The partnership stated: "It can often be the case that motorists [2] think they've got a pretty good handle on speed camera facts and road safety in general, however this isn't always the case. We don't resort to sneaky tactics to catch speeding drivers or put speed cameras in places just to make money.

"On this page, we discuss some of the most common speed camera myths.

So whatever your opinions on the subject, you might find the following insights interesting, if not surprising [3]."

Young woman pulled over by police officer on the road.

Drivers have been warned(Image: Getty)

Myth: You have to be a police officer

Answer: "No- the enforcement officer can be a trained civilian who has authorisation from the Chief Constable."

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Myth: 'You have to be visible'

Answer: "No-there are no laws about visibility, however, we maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent so therefore we only used marked vehicles and all speed cameras are Hi-Vis yellow."

Myth: 'You have to put signs out'

Answer: "No. We do not have to place any signs at an enforcement site, however, to assist those drivers who are unsure of the speed limit a sign is fixed to the street furniture or placed at the roadside before entering the enforcement area. NB only at our core enforcement sites.

Myth: 'The threshold for speeding is 10% + 2mph, so I can travel at 35mph in a 30mph limit'

Parking charge notice attached to car which is parked illegally UK

Drivers could get fines for speeding and parking if they don't stick to the rules(Image: Getty)Article continues below

Answer: "Thresholds vary and can change without notice.

Any offence occurs at 1mph over the limit, officially you can be prosecuted at that speed, however, most forces will allow a variance."

Myth: 'Where police van parks'

Answer: "A camera van isn't subject to parking regulations when carrying out speed enforcement, however, we expect our staff to use discretion and common sense while adhering to local guidelines and designated parking locations."

References

^ how the law actually works. (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ motorists (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ you might find the following insights interesting, if not surprising (www.mirror.co.uk)