Some obvious,some not, but I didn't know the truth for some.  Usuall advert guff stripped out.

 

Road safety charity Break has released a list of important information surrounding speed cameras to iron out any misconceptions.  Seven are false and three are true.

released a list of important information surrounding speed cameras in order to iron out any misconceptions and educate motorists.

 

Here are ten speed camera myths you should be aware of.

1. "Not all speed cameras work, some are switched off - TRUE

A spokesman for Brake said: “Various Freedom of Information requests have revealed that some speed cameras are not fully operational in the UK.

“Brake fully supports the use of speed cameras, and would encourage the return to use of any cameras that have been turned off. Speed cameras are proven to reduce speeding, and can catch far higher numbers of speeding drivers than traffic police with mobile cameras."

 

2. You have to be speeding at least 10% over the limit plus 2mph, to get caught - FALSE

The law states that a driver can receive a speeding ticket as soon as they exceed the speed limit on a road, even if that is only by 1mph.

However, guidance provided by the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council, formally ACPO, Association of Chief Police Officers), suggests that officers do not seek prosecution of a driver until they have exceeded the speed limit by 10%, plus 2mph.

 

3. If you drive really fast, you won’t trigger the camera - FALSE

This is completely wrong. The only way to avoid triggering the camera is to stick within the speed limit.

 

4. "Speed cameras must be painted yellow to be legal" - FALSE

The Government wants all speed cameras in England painted yellow. But if you’re caught on a grey one before that happens, tough - the offence is still valid.

 

5. Average speed cameras don't really work and that's why some people ignore them - FALSE

The spokesman for Brake said: “Average speed cameras are an effective way to prevent dangerous driver behaviour.

“They are particularly beneficial as they enforce limits over a longer stretch of road, preventing law-breaking drivers from being able to speed up again immediately after passing a camera.

 

6. You must be notified within a certain amount of time for it to be valid - TRUE

Brake said a driver caught by a speed camera, rather than a police officer, must be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days.

The notice goes to the individual the vehicle is registered to.

 

7. You can request a speed awareness course - FALSE

Those eligible for a course will be notified by police. If you haven't been offered one, then you don't qualify.

 

8. You can do a speed awareness course more than once - TRUE

Drivers caught speeding for a second time may be able to do a second course, depending on the severity of the offence. But this can't be within three years of the first speed awareness course.

 

9. If you get a speed awareness course, you don't have to declare it on your insurance - FALSE

Brake says: “Drivers who fail to reveal that they have undertaken a speed awareness course, who then later make a claim to their insurance provider, may find that their policy is invalid.

"Information on whether a driver has taken a speed awareness course is held by local police forces."

 

10. You can even get caught on a bicycle or horse - FALSE

“Whilst it is unlikely that a cyclist, or other road user on non-motorised transport, would be able to reach the necessary speeds to be above the limit, the law holds that legislation around speed limits covers only motor or mechanically propelled vehicles."

 

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/10-common-myths-speed-cameras-20711166

 

Edited 2 June, 20215 yr by MikeTheThinker
formatting

Some of above applied to England and Wales as far as Police Forces and areas.  Things like the prosecution and speeds or Awareness courses.  There are not Awareness courses in Scotland and different legislation available to Police Scotland.

Edited 2 June, 20215 yr by e-Roottoot

11 - BRAKE are not a "road safety charity" but an anti-motorist quango spending your money on nonsense like this - TRUE, in spades.

Road safety charity Break or Brake?

 

Whichever I hope the thread title was their words & not Mikes as its patronising to a reader for them to assume that they have believed 10 myths.

I believe there are 3 types of awareness courses that you can attend for different offences within a certain period

I thought Top Gear were able to show you can go too fast for a  GATSO, but that it was about 165mph.

1 minute ago, Aspman said:

I thought Top Gear were able to show you can go too fast for a  GATSO, but that it was about 165mph.

 

A friend of mine deliberately went through one with 175 mph on the speedo and it didn't flash.  

19 hours ago, Schtum said:

 

A friend of mine deliberately went through one with 175 mph on the speedo and it didn't flash.  

 

On a private road of course

6 minutes ago, Aspman said:

 

On a private road of course

 

Obviously.  In fact, I think it was the same private road that he took me down with 175 showing on the speedo of his Lamborghini.  

21 hours ago, Aspman said:

I thought Top Gear were able to show you can go too fast for a  GATSO, but that it was about 165mph.

I remember that episode.. it still flashed, but on the second photo the car was no longer there 

On 02/06/2021 at 10:58, MikeTheThinker said:

6. You must be notified within a certain amount of time for it to be valid - TRUE

Brake said a driver caught by a speed camera, rather than a police officer, must be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days.

The notice goes to the individual the vehicle is registered to.

is this received within 14 days or just issued within 14 days of the offence