What are the speed camera tolerances in the UK? Discover the different types of speed cameras on UK roads and what happens if you exceed the limit.
Speed cameras are a common sight on UK roads. They help to enforce speed limits and are intended to promote safety on our highways.
Speed limits are, of course, limits – they represent, in theory, the maximum speed allowed by law on a particular stretch of road.
But in practice, there is usually a tolerance around the limit, allowing for various factors that could result in drivers being penalised unfairly. This article explores those tolerances, how they work and what you need to know about them.
How Different Types Of Speed Cameras Work In The UK
The UK uses a range of different speed cameras to monitor and enforce speed limits. The most common types include:
- Fixed speed cameras: These are stationary cameras usually placed in areas with a high risk of speeding. They generally work by capturing a vehicle’s speed as it crosses a specific point on the road.
- Average speed cameras: Instead of measuring speed at a single point, these cameras monitor a vehicle’s speed at several points over a longer stretch of road, calculating the average speed over that stretch to see if it remains within the legal limit.
- Mobile speed cameras: Often located in dedicated police vans, these can be set up in different locations and have a long range – up to two miles on straight roads. They can catch drivers speeding in either direction, even at a distance.
Each type of speed camera uses advanced radar or laser detection technology to measure a vehicle’s speed. More recent models have infrared technology that can capture a speeding vehicle’s image without the traditional camera flash, which means drivers may not know that they’ve been caught.
What Are Speed Camera Tolerances?
Various factors – different wheel sizes, tyre sizes, tyre pressure and vehicle loads and even ambient temperature – can affect the accuracy of a car’s speedometer, meaning it may be inaccurate by a few miles-per-hour under or over the vehicle’s actual speed. Speed camera tolerance refers to a margin of error applied by many police forces to account for this.
They also exist to avoid drivers focusing too much on their speedometer instead of paying attention to the road. Tolerances allow for minor discrepancies without penalising drivers who are trying to comply with the law.
In the UK, the most commonly quoted tolerance is 10% + 2mph over the speed limit. For example, a speed camera on a 30mph stretch of road might not activate until you exceed 35mph.
However, this is a discretionary tolerance, not a legal right. While some police forces use this rule, others may use different thresholds, or none at all. The existence of a tolerance doesn’t give drivers an excuse to break the speed limit.
Regional Variations in Speed Camera Tolerances Across the UK
While many police forces adopt the 10% + 2mph tolerance, this can vary between regions. For example, the Metropolitan Police in London has reduced its tolerance levels in recent years, meaning drivers could be caught below the 10% + 2mph level.
Other forces, including Greater Manchester and Staffordshire, don’t reveal their specific thresholds, which makes it even more important to adhere to the speed limit wherever you drive.
It’s important to stay informed about speed limits in your area, as well as about any regional variations in enforcement. You can do so by checking regional and national government websites or driving organisations, such as the AA or RAC, for speed-limit information and road-safety advice.
What Happens If You Exceed The Tolerance Limit?
If you exceed the speed limit, even within the tolerance, you can face a range of penalties depending on the circumstances and how fast you were going:
- Fines: The minimum fine for speeding is £100, but it can increase depending on your weekly income up to a maximum of £1000 or £2500 if you exceed a motorway speed limit.
- Points on your licence: You’ll typically have three points put on your driving licence for speeding, but more serious offences can lead to more.
- Speed Awareness Courses: For minor offences you may be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points on your licence. These generally cost between £80 and £100 and are designed to help you improve your driving habits.
- Driving ban: In severe cases, such as being caught at speeds over 100mph, you could face a complete driving ban.
How To Avoid Speed Fines In The UK
There’s a very easy way to avoid speeding fines – don’t speed. The limits on roads exist for everyone’s safety. Speed cameras are there to enforce the limits, not to trick drivers. Stay within the limits and you’re at no risk of a fine.
It’s worth noting that some types of vehicles are subject to different speed limits to cars. For example, van speed limits vary depending on the size of the van, with larger vehicles subject to 60mph limits on motorways and 50mph limits on single and dual carriageways.
Common Misconceptions About UK Speed Camera Tolerances
There are several myths about speed cameras, many of which aren’t true. Here are a few of the more popular ones:
- “Speed cameras must flash to catch you”: Many modern speed cameras use infrared technology and don’t need to flash to record your speed. You may not know you’ve been caught until a Notice of Intended Prosecution arrives through the post.
- “You can always avoid points by taking a speed awareness course”: While first-time offenders may well be offered a speed awareness course instead of points, this isn’t guaranteed. Such offers will depend on the circumstances of the offence.
- “Unmarked camera vans can’t issue fines”: Unmarked vehicles can and do legally catch speeding drivers. There’s no requirement for camera vans to be visible.
FAQs About Speed Cameras In The UK
Do speed cameras always flash? No, the use of infrared technology means that some more modern cameras don’t need to flash to capture a speeding vehicle.
Do fixed speed cameras work in both directions? Most fixed speed cameras monitor traffic in just a single direction, but there are some models equipped to catch speeding vehicles in both directions.
What is the average speed camera fine? The minimum fine for speeding is £100, but this can increase depending on the severity of the offence and, if you go to court, your weekly income.
What is a manned speed camera? A manned speed camera is a mobile camera operated by a police officer, often from a van.
How long does it take to receive a speeding ticket? You’ll usually receive a ticket, or a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to give it its full name, within 14 days of the offence.
How far can speed cameras see? On a straight road, mobile speed cameras can have a range of up to two miles.
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