Speed camera warning issued as penalty points being issued

05:30, 25 Oct 2025

A spike in motorists being nabbed by speed cameras has been attributed to a 12% rise in the number of penalty points added to licences.

Exceeding speed limits on public roads and motorways were the most frequent violations in both of the past two years.

These were followed by operating an uninsured vehicle.

The quantity of penalty points issued for an offence reflects its seriousness.

They stay on licences for between four and 11 years.

Motorists who gather at least 12 points in three years are typically banned from driving for at least six months.

Most speeding cases lead to the offender being penalised GBP100 and receiving three points or given the chance to complete a speed awareness course, if they have not done one in the previous three years.

AA president Edmund King described the increase in the number of points being issued as "worrying".

He told the PA news agency: "The increase is due to the boom in speed camera offences, and the fact that a higher proportion of repeat offenders have already been on a speed awareness course in the last three years, so can't avoid points by going on another course."

Mr King referenced separate Home Office figures showing 2.71 million drivers were caught speeding in England and Wales in 2023, with 96% of offences detected by cameras.

This is in contrast to 1.49 million in 2011, when cameras were accountable for detecting 89% of incidents.

According to Co-op Insurance, this is the number of penalty points awarded to drivers in Britain each year from 2021.

• 2021: 2,803,432
• 2022: 7,329,228
• 2023: 8,545,646
• 2024: 9,610,237

Paul Evans, head of motor at Co-op Insurance, stated: "Accumulating points for both speeding and driving without insurance can lead to higher premiums, and even disqualification from driving, due to insurers deeming drivers to be a greater risk should they receive 12 or more points on their licence.

"We're therefore encouraging motorists to ensure that they drive safely and to ensure that they're covered so that they can avoid penalties, save money and reduce the risk of accidents whilst on the roads."