Drivers given speeding 'buffer' alert as expert explains 10% rule
A motoring expert has claimed that not many drivers realise how speed cameras really operate. They added that some people are playing a "risky game" by not knowing the exact speed that triggers them.
Drivers have been given a reminder that, just because a camera hasn't flashed, it doesn't guarantee they've escaped. With nearly 350 people losing their lives on Britain's roads each year, speed enforcement remains a crucial component of road safety.
Now, car valuation specialists at BigWantsYourCar.com are warning motorists against relying on myths or guesswork when it comes to speed limits, reports the Mirror. A spokesperson said: "We regularly speak with drivers who think there's a guaranteed buffer. But the truth is, as soon as you exceed the speed limit, you're technically breaking the law."
How speed cameras actually work:
Speed cameras function using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's velocity and capture evidence of any violation. Whilst older cameras used film, most modern devices are completely digital and can even track your average speed across many miles.
"Not all cameras flash anymore," explains the BigWantsYourCar.com expert. "Some operate silently, and some mobile units are manually operated – so relying on a flash as a warning is a risky game." In some instances, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger.
These digital systems record:
Vehicle speed
Time and location of the offence
Vehicle registration
Road speed limit
What speed sets off a camera?
Contrary to common belief, there isn't a definitive "10% rule" in law. "The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear," the spokesperson said. "Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit."
Whilst the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does suggest a "10% plus 2" margin to allow for police discretion, this is not a legal requirement and can vary based on the enforcement area or the officer in charge. There's a difference to be noted between mobile and fixed cameras.
Fixed cameras usually have a predetermined trigger speed, but the exact figure is often kept a closely guarded secret to avoid people taking advantage. Mobile cameras, on the other hand, are operated manually which means the decision to issue fines can depend on how much you exceed the speed limit and the specific situation.
"Mobile speed units are particularly unpredictable," the BigWantsYourCar.com spokesperson said. "They're frequently set up in areas known for accidents, leading officers to adopt a stricter approach."
According to Confused.com, average speed cameras are different to normal fixed and mobile speed cameras. Average speed cameras check your speed over several miles, rather than measuring your speed over a short distance. This means they should be more accurate and so might not have the same tolerance levels as other speed cameras.
With speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances, the best strategy is straightforward. "Don't gamble with the grey area," warns the BigWantsYourCar.com team. "If you're even slightly over the limit, you're putting your licence, insurance, and safety at risk. No journey is worth that."
These tolerances aren't an excuse for breaking the speed limit. The Metropolitan police said that no matter what the threshold, drivers should always stick to the speed limit and never exceed it.
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