The truth about speed camera laws unmasked by police force

The police force shared how wrong drivers can be - and how the law sees it

11:01, 15 Aug 2025

A UK police force has dispelled widespread misconceptions about speed cameras that many drivers believe can help them avoid penalties. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership published a detailed breakdown on its website about the motoring myths.

Clarifying the reality behind these so-called "loopholes" and highlighting just how far off the mark many motorists are when it comes to the law, the experts have said that there are no "sneaky" ways they catch people out and it's not there as a money-making machine.

They wrote: "It can often be the case that motorists 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."

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."

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'

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."