Latest news with #NationalPoliceChiefs'Council
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Car expert explains what speed will trigger a speed camera
However, many drivers are unaware of how speed cameras actually work – with several myths being widely believed across the UK. Though regardless of how much you know about speed cameras, with speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances the best advice is to not risk it. (Image: KevinHolt/Getty) How do speed cameras work? Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. These digital systems record: Vehicle speed Time and location of the offence Vehicle registration Road speed limit In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. What Speed Actually Triggers a Camera? Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. Experts from explained: ''The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case. RAC advice adds: 'The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and could receive a fine. 'It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not. 'The best advice is to not speed full stop.' Common speed camera myths Here are some other common speed camera myths: Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times? No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van? If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." What happens if I am caught speeding? It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Car expert explains what speed will trigger a speed camera
However, many drivers are unaware of how speed cameras actually work – with several myths being widely believed across the UK. Though regardless of how much you know about speed cameras, with speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances the best advice is to not risk it. (Image: KevinHolt/Getty) How do speed cameras work? Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. These digital systems record: Vehicle speed Time and location of the offence Vehicle registration Road speed limit In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. What Speed Actually Triggers a Camera? Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. Experts from explained: ''The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case. RAC advice adds: 'The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and could receive a fine. 'It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not. 'The best advice is to not speed full stop.' Common speed camera myths Here are some other common speed camera myths: Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times? No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van? If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." What happens if I am caught speeding? It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
STV News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- STV News
Fifth of motorists have drunk alcohol after 10pm ahead of morning drive
More than a fifth (21%) of motorists have drunk alcohol after 10pm when needing to drive before 9am the following morning, a new survey suggests. Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, which commissioned the poll, warned that drinking alcohol the night before getting behind the wheel can pose a 'serious threat' because a 'groggy head' means slower reaction times. The survey of 1,072 UK motorists also indicated that 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks ahead of driving before 9am stopped drinking after 9pm. Charity Drinkaware states that alcohol is removed from the body at a rate of one unit per hour, although this varies depending on a person's weight, liver health and metabolism speed. Around three large glasses of wine or three pints of high-strength beer or cider is the equivalent of nine units. Someone consuming those drinks up to 10pm could still have alcohol in their body at 7am or later, IAM RoadSmart warned. Nicholas Lyes, the charity's director of policy and standards, said: 'Drink-driving is a killer, and drivers may be unwittingly getting into their vehicle in the morning unaware that they could be doing so illegally if they have been drinking alcohol the night before, posing a serious threat to the safety of others. 'Even if they are just inside the legal limit, the level of alcohol in their system will impair their reaction times. 'Moreover, consuming alcohol impacts on sleep quality.' Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said: 'There is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired through drink or drugs, and this includes the morning after. 'If you choose to do so you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.' The survey also suggested nearly a third (31%) of drivers in the previous 12 months had been with a friend or relative who drank alcohol before getting into a vehicle. Some 72% of this group warned them they should not drive, while 23% said they took no action. Four out of five (81%) people polled said rehabilitation courses should become mandatory for anyone convicted of a drink-drive offence. Currently the courses are sometimes offered in return for a shorter driving ban. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics previously obtained by the PA news agency revealed 27,837 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to July 20 2024. Some 372 were caught at least four times, including four who were prosecuted on seven occasions. Latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an estimated 300 people were killed in crashes on Britain's roads involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2022. That was up from 260 the previous year and was the highest total since 2009 when 380 deaths were recorded. Separate figures show there are more drink drive-related casualties in July than any other month of the year. The Scottish Government reduced its limit to 50g/100ml in 2014. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. A DfT spokesperson said: 'We take road safety extremely seriously, and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drink-driving, with rehabilitation courses offered to those convicted and banned from driving for over a year. 'While we don't have plans to mandate these courses, we are committed to improving road safety, and our Think! campaign will next week launch its summer drink-drive activity, timed to coincide with the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight.' – IAM RoadSmart commissioned research company Online95 to conduct the survey of 1,072 UK motorists last month. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
Fifth of motorists have drunk alcohol after 10pm ahead of morning drive
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, which commissioned the poll, warned that drinking alcohol the night before getting behind the wheel can pose a 'serious threat' because a 'groggy head' means slower reaction times. The survey of 1,072 UK motorists also indicated that 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks ahead of driving before 9am stopped drinking after 9pm. Charity Drinkaware states that alcohol is removed from the body at a rate of one unit per hour, although this varies depending on a person's weight, liver health and metabolism speed. Around three large glasses of wine or three pints of high-strength beer or cider is the equivalent of nine units. Someone consuming those drinks up to 10pm could still have alcohol in their body at 7am or later, IAM RoadSmart warned. Nicholas Lyes, the charity's director of policy and standards, said: 'Drink-driving is a killer, and drivers may be unwittingly getting into their vehicle in the morning unaware that they could be doing so illegally if they have been drinking alcohol the night before, posing a serious threat to the safety of others. 'Even if they are just inside the legal limit, the level of alcohol in their system will impair their reaction times. 'Moreover, consuming alcohol impacts on sleep quality.' Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said: 'There is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired through drink or drugs, and this includes the morning after. 'If you choose to do so you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.' The survey also suggested nearly a third (31%) of drivers in the previous 12 months had been with a friend or relative who drank alcohol before getting into a vehicle. Some 72% of this group warned them they should not drive, while 23% said they took no action. Four out of five (81%) people polled said rehabilitation courses should become mandatory for anyone convicted of a drink-drive offence. Currently the courses are sometimes offered in return for a shorter driving ban. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics previously obtained by the PA news agency revealed 27,837 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to July 20 2024. Some 372 were caught at least four times, including four who were prosecuted on seven occasions. Only time sobers you up — nothing else works. It takes about an hour to process one unit of alcohol, meaning you could still be over the limit the next morning. If you're driving early, it's safest to skip the drinks. Learn more: — IAM RoadSmart (@IAMRoadSmart) July 16, 2025 Latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an estimated 300 people were killed in crashes on Britain's roads involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2022. That was up from 260 the previous year and was the highest total since 2009 when 380 deaths were recorded. Separate figures show there are more drink drive-related casualties in July than any other month of the year. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml. The Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014. A DfT spokesperson said: 'We take road safety extremely seriously, and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drink-driving, with rehabilitation courses offered to those convicted and banned from driving for over a year. 'While we don't have plans to mandate these courses, we are committed to improving road safety, and our Think! campaign will next week launch its summer drink-drive activity, timed to coincide with the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight.' – IAM RoadSmart commissioned research company Online95 to conduct the survey of 1,072 UK motorists last month.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Fifth of motorists have drunk alcohol after 10pm ahead of morning drive
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, which commissioned the poll, warned that drinking alcohol the night before getting behind the wheel can pose a 'serious threat' because a 'groggy head' means slower reaction times. The survey of 1,072 UK motorists also indicated that 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks ahead of driving before 9am stopped drinking after 9pm. Charity Drinkaware states that alcohol is removed from the body at a rate of one unit per hour, although this varies depending on a person's weight, liver health and metabolism speed. Around three large glasses of wine or three pints of high-strength beer or cider is the equivalent of nine units. Someone consuming those drinks up to 10pm could still have alcohol in their body at 7am or later, IAM RoadSmart warned. Nicholas Lyes, the charity's director of policy and standards, said: 'Drink-driving is a killer, and drivers may be unwittingly getting into their vehicle in the morning unaware that they could be doing so illegally if they have been drinking alcohol the night before, posing a serious threat to the safety of others. 'Even if they are just inside the legal limit, the level of alcohol in their system will impair their reaction times. 'Moreover, consuming alcohol impacts on sleep quality.' Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said: 'There is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired through drink or drugs, and this includes the morning after. 'If you choose to do so you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.' The survey also suggested nearly a third (31%) of drivers in the previous 12 months had been with a friend or relative who drank alcohol before getting into a vehicle. Some 72% of this group warned them they should not drive, while 23% said they took no action. Four out of five (81%) people polled said rehabilitation courses should become mandatory for anyone convicted of a drink-drive offence. Currently the courses are sometimes offered in return for a shorter driving ban. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics previously obtained by the PA news agency revealed 27,837 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to July 20 2024. Some 372 were caught at least four times, including four who were prosecuted on seven occasions. Only time sobers you up — nothing else works. It takes about an hour to process one unit of alcohol, meaning you could still be over the limit the next morning. If you're driving early, it's safest to skip the drinks. Learn more: — IAM RoadSmart (@IAMRoadSmart) July 16, 2025 Latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an estimated 300 people were killed in crashes on Britain's roads involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2022. That was up from 260 the previous year and was the highest total since 2009 when 380 deaths were recorded. Separate figures show there are more drink drive-related casualties in July than any other month of the year. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml. The Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014. A DfT spokesperson said: 'We take road safety extremely seriously, and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drink-driving, with rehabilitation courses offered to those convicted and banned from driving for over a year. 'While we don't have plans to mandate these courses, we are committed to improving road safety, and our Think! campaign will next week launch its summer drink-drive activity, timed to coincide with the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight.' – IAM RoadSmart commissioned research company Online95 to conduct the survey of 1,072 UK motorists last month.
