Find out the truth behind these 12 speed camera myths that could stop you getting fined
SPEEDING offences have nearly doubled over the last five years with cameras catching thousands of motorists breaking the law.
The sneaky snappers rake in millions a year, particularly since the introduction of average speed checks and variable speed limits.
And fines for the worst offences were even increased in April 2017 in a bid to curb the problem while standard speeders receive a minimum fine of £100 and three points.
There are plenty of myths surrounding speed cameras leaving motorists in the dark when it comes to avoiding a fine.
So can you really drive fast enough to miss the flash? And are cameras always switched on?
With the help of road safety charity Brake, we've compiled a list of the most common rumours about speed cameras and the truth behind them.
Not all speed cameras are switched on - TRUE
Some estimates suggest up to a quarter of all cameras could be out of action.
Fixed sites have been turned off in favour of mobile ones which are found to be almost three times as effective at catching speeders.
There's a 10 per cent plus 2mph rule - NOT ALWAYS
By the letter of the law, if you're as little as 1mph over the speed limit then you could be slapped with a ticket and handed penalty points.
However, in reality police are advised to only prosecute at speeds of 10 per cent plus 2mph. That means on a motorway, cops are unlikely to act below 79mph.
If your driving is dangerous or reckless, though, you'll be pulled over and the speeding offence may kick in.
If you slow down for the camera then speed up again, you won't get caught - NOT ALWAYS
When speed cameras were first introduced this was true but in recent years, average speed cameras have been increasingly used.
These average checks improve safety as they avoid harsh braking zones which can lead to accident black spots.
If you drive really fast, you won't trigger the camera - FALSE
Cameras are too advanced for this and will snap you at any speed. The only way not to trigger it is to drive within the limit.
It's true, that on occasion, a speeding driver could be obscured from view by a large lorry but this is quite rare.
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Speed cameras must be painted yellow to be legal - FALSE
As of October 2016, all working speed cameras on England's motorways and A-roads were painted yellow.
However, some on local roads may still be a different colour and if you're caught by one of these, the offence is still valid.
Average speed cameras don't really work and that's why some people ignore them - FALSE
This is nonsense - they're the latest technology being favoured as it creates safer roads than a fixed site.
Early generations could be fooled by changing lanes during a speed check but that loophole has long been closed.
You must be notified within a certain amount of time for it to be valid - TRUE
If you're caught by a speed camera rather than a traffic officer, you have to be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days.
This will be sent to the registered keeper of the car - if you've heard nothing after that, the chances are you're in the clear.
You can request a speed awareness course - FALSE
Unfortunately it's not your call as to whether you can avoid points and attend a course instead. If you're eligible, police will offer it but if they're not forthcoming you can't request it.
You can't do a speed awareness course more than once - NOT ALWAYS
More often than not, the speed awareness course is a one-shot redemption and if you're caught again it won't be offered again.
But if it's a minor offence and there's been three years between the two, an officer might look kindly on you.
If you get a speed awareness course, you don't have to declare it on your insurance - FALSE
While it doesn't count as a penalty point endorsement on your licence, failing to flag the offence to insurers could mean a policy is invalidated further down the line if a claim is made and an insurer checks your information with local police.
You can even get caught on a bicycle or horse - FALSE
It's unlikely you'd see a cyclist or horse breaking the limit but if you did pick up enough speed then you'd still be outside of the law.
Speed limits only cover motor or mechanically propelled vehicles.
Speed cameras are just there to make money - FALSE
While speed cameras are without doubt money-making machines for police they're only ever placed at accident black spots and high-risk areas in a bid to improve safety.
They're not placed to cash-in and if motorist stayed within the limits, they'd make no money at all.#
