Speed camera warning to motorists driving at 36mph
Motorists have been warned they could be driving faster than they think
Nicholas Dawson 06:00, 21 Aug 2025
Drivers have been warned they could be driving faster than they realise(Image: Getty)Drivers have been cautioned to keep a close eye on their speed as they could be inadvertently going above the speed limits. Car parts retailer Ovoko[1] has issued a warning to drivers that they may be at risk of receiving a penalty despite travelling at what seems like a sensible pace.
Supplier excellence manager with the group, Kazimieras Urbonas, said: "There's one specific speed that triggers more UK speeding fines than any other.
It's not what most people expect, and it happens on roads where drivers feel completely safe and in control."
The company said that the most frequent speed resulting in tickets is 36mph in a 30mph zone. This is because most police forces follow unofficial guidance whereby you'll only receive a penalty if you exceed the limit by 10 per cent plus an additional 2mph.
Therefore, in a 30mph zone, the threshold for a ticket begins at 36mph, calculated as 30mph plus 3mph (10 per cent of the speed limit) with an extra 2mph, totalling 35mph. However, even with this knowledge, you may accidentally drive above 35mph while believing you're within safe limits.
Mr Urbonas said: "Here's the catch - your speedometer isn't always perfectly accurate, and many drivers push just that bit further, thinking they're still safe." Certain 30mph zones have much more 36mph breaches than others.
Where is the most common place for drivers to get 36mph speeding tickets?
The top place for these 36mph violations is in school zones during drop-off and collection periods.
This may be as parents are preoccupied with finding parking spaces rather than monitoring their speed.
Article continues belowPolice sometimes apply stricter enforcement in school areas to safeguard children's wellbeing. Another concern with keeping on top of your speed is when travelling downhill, as gravity naturally increases your speed.
Cameras may be positioned at the bottom of the slope. Mr Urbonas said: "Town centres with wide main roads are another major hotspot.
"These streets were often designed when traffic moved differently, so they feel like they should have higher limits than they actually do." Motorists frequently get caught on country roads as well, when approaching a village.
The speed restriction may abruptly fall from the national speed limit of 60mph down to 30mph, and you may not see the signs.
Mr Urbonas further explained why people are so frequently caught driving at 36mph.
He warned: "What makes this speed so dangerous from a penalty perspective is that it sits right in that grey area where drivers feel confident they're being safe, but they're actually over the enforcement threshold.
Modern cars are so smooth and quiet that 36 mph can feel like you're barely moving, especially on wide, well-maintained roads.
"But the camera only cares about the number, not how safe it feels." He advised drivers to exercise caution, as you may believe you are travelling at 30mph, when in reality you are already at 32mph.
Article continues belowThe expert said: "A small miscalculation can cost you three points and a GBP100 fine, not to mention the impact on your insurance premiums."