Comments from UK Motorists
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Steve T from UK writes...
One of the most overused and now tedious comment is "Well if you don't speed, you won't get a ticket".
Wow, like thats going to be an epiphany for anyone. Okay, everybody are good little citizens, and nobody speeds, and nobody gets fined...Yay!!, as thats what the government wants isn't it?. nobody to speed (for example), bouncy castles, street parties. Isn't it all splendid?, all that infrastructure designed, administered, to enforce speed limits. But now, all defunct, no tickets issued, no revenue coming in..."Hmmm", think the powers that be. "We know we said Safety was our sole goal...But the money was quite nice... Maybe we should drop limits by 5 mph across the UK, That would make absolutely sure its now safe for everyone" "Yes, thats a splendid idea, and the mugs will swallow this guff". Drop by 5 mph, then....It happens again, everyone obeys limit. Repeat, till speed limit on Motorways is 3 mph. Then its 2 MPH on alternate Tuesdays, unless its raining in Watford.
Mark from Hampshire writes...
These morons are constantly fining my staff to the point where the youngest driver will now receive a ban. Many will argue that the speed limit is there for a reason and I agree, but when you take into account all the other crimes going on its a joke! Many people are going about their business paying into the very system that pays wages for these "public servants". And yet we have been victim of 3 burglaries in the past 8 years and the police do nothing. They just go after "easy targets"
Paul from Essex writes...
Got a Fine from Essex police for M25 Cranham NR M/MPOST 5756B between junction 29 and junction 28. I often ride this stretch of road and I don't remember seeing any signs to indicate 50mph - the visibility was impaired due to snow but was getting better by time nearer to Brentwood. They dont' send any evidence. Unfortunately I hadn't got round to fitting my dashcam. I installed it the following day and got the fine a few days later so just one day out otherwise I could have played it back. There was certainly no danger to anybody as it was close to 1am. Not happy but not worth taking to court and risking further fines and points - I guess that's what they rely on in most cases even if their case is weak people don't want to take the risk.
Often I see variable speed limits on M11 and the incident has cleared well before and majority of drivers driving at usual speeds. Highways Agency should more quickly respond once an issue has been resolved e.g. animals on the road and if there is an issue don't have over 15 miles of roads at variable speed - just the junctions affected.
Anon from Carmarthenshire writes...
Handheld speed camera 10metres away from 30mph sign. Road is quite a few miles at 50mph until this point. Never driven the road before, saw 30mph sign, began to slow down, was caught doing 37mph by the hand held camera - fair cop - BUT, how many of these guys are sitting so near the change of speed limit signs? Surely they are bound to catch every new road user?
John from Northamptonshire writes...
Gutted! Speed camera in a disused bus bay facing down a very steep hill caught twice over a period of time! First time coming around a bend to pick up slight speed to climb hill caught going up hill and then 2 months later coming down hill footcovering brake caught again wrote a letter and a photo of my average speed 19MPH didn't want to know. Bought a Snooper now the speed works by GPS my speedo 4MPH faster so I think I would have got away with it???
Keith from Ceredigion writes...
They seem to be in places around here where people have braked for a limit, the road slopes down and your speed creeps back up and it is time to smile for the birdie. We have so many idiots in German cars around here tailgating and overtaking in stupid spots that need some serious attention. Those same cars also all seem to have faulty indicators.
T Fletcher from Yorks writes...
I can understand drivers being fined for excessive speeding, however, whenit comes to being prosecuted for being a few miles over the speed limit, then it appears that motorists are being scapegoated. If the real reason for deploying speed camera's was to cut down on RTA's, then why aren't fixed cameras in operation in accident blackspot, which are a fraction of the cost of employing someone to sit in van?
Lee Kennealy from Berkshire writes...
Speed cameras are only a money making exercise. Originally they were used to prevent further deaths on a particular stretch of road. Now they set a trap to make money.
David Clark from West Yorkshire writes...
Drivers with speeding points are the safest drivers on the roads. They are correctly using the mirrors and looking through the windscreen and can see everything ahead and to each side. They are responsible for a lot less accidents and deaths on the roads than drivers forever monitoring their speedo or satnav. Drivers who are basically driving without due care and attention.
I would rather pay £100 and take 3 points than serve 5 years for manslaughter, having knocked down a pedestrian or cyclist/biker because I was too busy checking my speed than the road ahead. The present legislation is seriously flawed using conscientious road users as cash cows for
underfunded local police forces.
Nick Band from Derbyshire writes...
It should not matter WHERE and cameras are, or ether they're hidden or not, if ALL vehicle drivers adhere to the indicated speed limit.
Paul from Warwickshire writes...
Why do different counties use different cameras on roadworks on motorways? I use a stretch near Coventry that is average speed but recently was ticketed in Nottingham M1 on a variable. I had no idea the two systems were different until today. I imagined it was a play on words variable / average. I took it that variable speed was just as it says in that you can vary it along that stretch. Come on police !! Let's read from the same page and be consistent. I believe the police are making so much money on roadwork stretches and that's why they are taking forever to complete. I wouldn't put it passed them. Money money money is all they think about otherwise they would turn off the cameras at weekends and nights when no one is working on or near the motorways. 10 miles of roadworks in Nottinghamshire has been in progress for years and the Coventry stretch at least 2. It's money, not safety!!!!!!
Paul from Warwickshire writes...
If it was a safety issue I could understand it but it's all to do with money and revenue. Stretches of motorways in UK have been under maintenance for years like Nottinghamshire and Coventry, Warwickshire, I have never known Notts to be clear in the last 4 years.
The roadworks should be flooded with bodies and machines but there never seems to be progress, the M1 didn't take this long to build in the first place it's a total scam for revenue. Motorist conned yet again something has to be done. It's a disgrace.
Gareth from Hertfordshire writes...
Let the police force camouflage the cameras in anyway they want, let them be inventive with their hiding places. If people don't have warnings of where they are then they will be following the local restrictions better in the first place. Rather than having 3000+ camera housings to maintain that could be drastically reduced saving huge amounts of money, by having a small number of regularly moved cameras. It doesn't really matter if the cameras are in a high risk area or a 'money making area',the only people who care about that are the ones who have been caught anyway.
Philip Haynes from Northamptonshire writes...
With over 85% of crimes commited against the general public, such as assault, theft, buglary at home, cars stolen, etc, etc, etc, WHICH ARE NOT INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE. Why are the general public having to put up with being targeted by the cash cow stealth camera vans being used under the banner of road safety what about our rights to have crimes committed against us investigated? Unfortunatly that would require some effort, other than hiding at the side of the road waiting for the next car to arrive.
Kelly from Worcestershire writes...
We have quite a few speed cameras in our area that are placed at the bottom of a hill and you have to brake to stay within 30mph. I Understand we have brakes for this reason yet is it fair for them to place the cameras in a place where your speed naturally gains momentum If these cameras were in the flat say, then you would be so mich less likely to go 35mph?
Benjamin Bryan from United Kingdom writes...
The cameras aren't for safety they're for profit... why not just points why does there have to be a money value atttached?
Plus they put a time frame on this so if you don't pay within certain time you'd be punished with higher rate.. forcing you to accept without fighting or questioning this because you're afraid of incurring more fees... absolute scam if I've ever heard one.
The Government laughed when they thought this idea up and laugh when they cash in and pay themselves.
Eli G from Bedfordshire writes...
You cannot see the speed cameras on the M1 in the dark even though they are in yellow - just one big money grabber!!
Vincent from Bedfordshire writes...
Last year, I was caught doing 79mph on the A1 north overtaking an artic lorry. Lincs Police admitted this. They failed to provide photo evidence until it was too late. There was no justification for having 3 points on my licence and the area was not an accident blackspot.
Mattias from Durham writes...
I drive over 36,000 miles a year, I estimate that I drive anywere between 2-4 hours a day in my job. Driving becomes so second nature, it's impossible with how powerful and effective our cars have become to stay 100% conscious of your speed. When you drive as much as I do and see idiots driving at 80mph+ weaving between traffic disregarding others freely and then I get done doing 36mph in 40mph zone changed to 30mph because there are cones setup with no construction workers. I feel annoyed, it is too strict, I've never caused an accident or injury and I'm being penalised for ordinary humans errors. If speeding was such an issue, why don't cars have speed limiters and automatic sensors to set speeds for you? It's a scam.
Michael Byford from Staffordshire writes...
They are a con just a way of raising money to fill the coffers after Govt cut backs to local funding. Derbyshire and Staffs roads are a disgrace full of pot holes collapsed roads and loose top dressing never swept off but they put out unmarked vans to raise money!
Giles from North Yorkshire writes...
I can understand why most commentators on here believe the purpose of these so-called 'safety cameras' is revenue raising, having just received a FPN for doing 58mph through a 50mph zone on the M1 at 06:30 am. Not a worker in sight!
As I was simply, at that time of the morning, keeping pace with the other traffic and all were at least below 60mph, safety has nothing to do with it. Hey ho. No use complaining if we don't take action.
What is needed is to vote in local elections and get rid of councillors who refuse to condemn these things and pledge to remove them. Another benefit of this is a campaign would help flush out the local supporters of these things and enable them to be identified.
In the meantime how about a campaign of passive civil disobedience to remind those behind these schemes that policing is by consent. For example, take your time getting out of their way when they have blue lights on. If you have a police vehicle behind you make a point of slowing to 20-25mph particularly if the road is a twisty one where they can't overtake. The number of local plod I see speeding in this rural areas is huge. Make a point of photographing every police vehicle you see parked on double yellows and, if you have a dash cam, those that speed themselves or go through amber lights, and always send in a formal complaint.
Make sure you also publish the evidence on social media. If you know where they park their vans, park something there first, if you can. If you work in a local business, consider refusing to serve those in uniform. They might actually get back to doing the job they are intended for then.
John from Cheshire writes...
I've lost my respect for the police. Total rip off, nothing to do with road safety, just a way to trick motorists and get more tax from them.
Mike Brunt from Norfolk writes...
Little to do with safety and all about money. Cause more accidents than they prevent by diverting driver attention from the road, where it should be, to their instrument panel resulting in sudden braking and erratic behaviour. Dishonest, punitive and misguided. I use a Road Angel at all times nowadays giving me prior warning of all these camera sites. At least technology exists to counteract the nonsense.
Matt from South Yorkshire writes...
Total rip off, it's about time they did what they are paid to do like catching criminals instead of making money from people who are struggling to earn a crust.
Andy from Merseyside writes...
Here's something I wanted to tell you guys. These speed cameras on all sections including rural should be taken down. The cameras should be yellow, bigger, turn on and come out of overhead gantries be able to come out the gantry in bad weather and normal traffic except early house middle of the night.
Raffaella Palmisano from Hampshire writes...
Speed cameras should be removed because they are placed in places that are not necessarily residential (where there is a risk of a kid crossing a street) and their only purpose is enriching the council treasure. Fines are ridiculously high and guess what? Speeders do speed away from the cameras, because they have memorised their locations so they are so useless! Let's not even mention the 3mph of allowance... if you go 34mph you get a ticket for £100 + 3-6 points off your licence. While the police drives like alcoholists in the middle of the road! (off my soap box)
Shaun from Northumberland writes...
If nobody exceeded the speed limit, the police force would struggle for funds, so ironic that they are trying to reduce speeding offences but they really need you to break it LOL.
Harry Wadsworth from South Yorkshire writes...
Just returned from holiday in Cornwall to find letter saying I was doing 71mph when signs on M1 said 60mph which I dispute.
After doing more than 800miles on holiday, all the time watching speed limits cameras are all over Cornwall I was constantly telling my wife that gantry speed limits were legally enforceable. I was therefore suprised to say the least on getting letter from Derbyshire Police .I was certainly considering appealing told it was a waste of time nice little earner for Derbyshire Police
Keith Perry from UK writes...
I have not ever, ever, been caught for speeding! I have been driving since 1973. It is quite simple. I don't break the law. I would welcome a comment from a bereaved parent who has lost their child because of a speeding motorist.
Clive from Northamptonshire writes...
These cameras seem to be put in places to catch people out who don't know the area not to catch truly dangerous drivers as they know where they are or are driving a stolen vehicle. Basically if you keep things in order and law biding citizen you will be caught and fined great for raising money for police and council not good for me who has three kids to raise. However great for the real crooks as they get away every time false number plates or cloned, stolen get my drift no police around to stop them and bring them to book. I spend more time looking at my speedo which takes my concentration off the road, I will be glad when cars drive them selves no reading conflicting signage just a rip off it makes money and does not save lives as they are never put in areas that really need them just ones that will make money. Young kids driving fast in built up area lots of kids around not a single camera or outside a school. I wouldn't mind if it put more police out there, instead of going into someone's back pocket.
Alan Wright from Hampshire writes...
As usual it is mostly the ones that have been caught speeding that have a moan on here about it being a money spinner. How about removing the fines and instead imposing a non-removable fixed 6 point penalty on the licence on any speeding offence. As I have said on here before it is only the law breakers that have to pay. Lets face it steal from a sweet shop and get caught you deserve to be fined so what is the difference. Well one thing comes to mind, you will not cause a multi vehicle pile up in a sweet shop.
Alan from Merseyside writes...
Speeding is a crime without a victim - nobody is harmed by speeding. The only harm is when you are involved in a collision, and then it is fair to be prosecuted, not before.
If it was really about saving lives then the speed limit would be 20mph - then there would certainly be fewer fatalities, so I wonder why the authorities don't do that?
Ahms from Hampshire writes...
Apparently according to a friend whom I know well but cannot be named of course 50% of cameras do not contain film. This is due to the expense incurred. But the speed cameras are also very inaccurate. They sometimes record well under the limit, and on contrast sometimes over. Luck of the draw. Naturally, the customer is always wrong. Taxed on fuel. Road Taxed on vehicle. Taxed on insurance. Three times taxed just to be on the road... surely that is enough without further financial unfair punishment because it's a small country with too many cars. This is not the solution. I have to say I'm glad I didn't elect to buy a diesel car recently... after a total u-turn on endorsing this.. now increased tax on this fuel is coming. The transport police needs to be fair and form a plan for the future and stick to it.. for environmental and financial fairness to all in the UK.
Craig from England writes...
SPEED VANS : I have recently been caught by a speed camera travelling at 37mph in a 30mph. My gripe is that the road is unclear to whether it is 30mph or 40mph. The speed van was sitting in the 40mph section so when I'd eventually seen the van I stayed to around 40mph, as I had seen the 40mph sign and then the van took my speed at 169metres away which is no way possible to be seen without binoculars! Now is it legal and correct that the van is able to take speeds so far away and not be visible to motorist? The idea of speed cameras is to slow motorist down not catch people for money.
Mark from UK writes...
I have recently been given a £100 ticket for doing 81mph on a clear motorway through the gantry cameras which were off on the M5 south just past Bristol.
The M6 and M5 until then most drivers are driving generally up to 85mph. To me this was no more than a money spinner as no warning are given to reduce speed as I have previously seen on motorways and also there is no consensus of opinion by other motorists in other parts of the country that around 80mph is unacceptable.
As I understand most laws are based on what is seen as normal practice and what is unacceptable behaviour. So why is it is acceptable that a national law is abused by enforcing or not enforcing in different counties?
A. Tax payer from East Sussex writes...
Stopped by 1xPC, concealed behind hedge, not on a straight section of road A22. Issued NIP. Wrong reg, false details, about me and my driving. Handheld speed gun, no tri-pod used. In between 30mph and 50mph. Got me at 55mph. Claimed he captured me at 87metres away and on a bend? What laser gos around a bend, I said to the judge. Why wasn't he visible to approaching traffic, as per there rules. Not even the reg changed my £420 fine and 6 points. System is set to support police. Whatever happens.
Mr Cope from Lincolnshire writes...
I was driving through Essindine in Rutland when I saw a mobile safety camera van parked straight opposite a speed sign which states the speed you are doing. I was watching the sign it said 26mph so I did not look at my speedo. 3 days later I got a letter saying I'm being prosecuted for doing 40mph which I know I was not!
I have emailed Lincolnshire police to see how to complain but they haven't replied. I would not contact Leicestershire because all they would do is reset the sign! A lot of people are being caught out this way most of the signs saying you speed are wrong and there's no signage saying working in location the vans must know the signs are wrong that's why they park straight opposite the sign?!
Anonymous from Worcestershire writes...
Most motorists vilify the use of speed cameras, but having dealt with numerous "accidents" including fatal accidents in my short career in the police many years ago, most motorist flout the law and are completely unconcerned about it.
Instead of complaining about the use of speed cameras, we should all of us recognise that this is the law.
If you don't agree with it, the do something about it and get the law changed - not break it!
Lobby you MP as much as you can; lobby your motoring organisation to get the law changed and whilst you're at it, stop the motoring organisations complaining about catching those who break the law!
Speed does kill. Reduce your speed and stick to the speed limits. That way you won't get caught!
Annoyed from Berkshire writes...
Had a nice christmas present from Thames Valley Police, speeding fine. Having looked at where it was collected, it clearly shows the camera van must of driven over a foot path and double yellow lines to park on a grassed area where the width of the vehicle would of easily had it touching the path..Views?
Peter from UK writes...
Is it legal for these cameras to be set at 60mph just so they can entrap the motorist to fund the local police force?! I was doing 68mph on the M1 and got flashed at 3:30am in the morning. Surely each local authority has not got the right to change motorway speed limits because their Police force is skint?
William from Wales writes...
I see Michael Howard has just got caught, and he was a signitory in support of the speed cameras - what a cruel twist of fate!!! I expect as a QC and Lord his appeal will be successful.
William from Wales writes...
To all those who say ''well you deserve a ticket for speeding'' I very much look forward to the day they are served an NIP for doing 26mph in a 30mph zone, the NIP showing the speed as 36mph.
Oh how I will laugh out loud when they will then join this forum protesting their innocence, whilst others like them before say how ''they got what they deserved'' I know as I was one.
I am all for keeping to the speed limit, but these mobile lasers are operator inaccurate. There are some horrendous reports on these cameras and the people who are making so much money from them.
When are the Home Office going to sit up and listen.....NEVER......as this would be the next PPI with claims being made in the billions!!!
Kenneth Foster from North Yorkshire writes...
These so called cameras are being used to finance the shortfall in funding for the nations forces i.e. Derbyshire these cameras catching out motorist at the slightest increase over the set speed limit and can be lowered at the flick of a switch they don't give you any leeway think its disgraceful.
Steve Foster from Kent writes...
These cameras have NOTHING to do with safety they are money boxes to boost funds.
Glenn from UK writes...
First time in my life I have received a speeding fine. A route I use every day. 47pmh in a 40mph going up hill in my small car. Firstly I was impressed my car could do that. Secondly angry because I know I wasn't. Can't fight the law though. Handheld camera from rear of car. Lovely picture of my boot which wasn't flat to the floor.
My question, Handheld, what if a car was coming towards him down the hill? What if calibration was wrong. I can't afford court. But I am ashamed that I know I am right. See I am an undertaker and always drive slow. Ashamed that my 100% clean record been sullied. I went out at night to try and get to the speed they said. The 40mph is uphill less than quarter Mile from roundabout then 60mph limit. They only have the limit as 40mph on their website. Truthfully I have been screwed!
Trevor Littleboy from Norfolk writes...
I see speed cameras as a money making project more than a safety thing. I've also noticed that many of these new cameras are very well camouflaged. In fact one camera that is close to my house is positioned behind trees at the side of the road and you don't see the camera until you are on the 3 strips in the road. Now they are also positioned near traffic lights so largely during busy periods traffic is queuing, so I assume it probably makes most of its money when the roads are empty at night with minimal traffic?
Alan from Hampshire writes...
Most comments on here are about cameras being a money maker.
Simple answer........ Do not go over the speed limit at any time and there will be no revenue generated.
As for the people moaning about being caught speeding, well that will be their own fault then.
Michelle L Harford-Webb from Berkshire writes...
This week driving home from work, I noticed a police
speed camera van which was parked up on a slip road off the main road I was driving on.
The view for the police must have been great! They can see all the cars coming towards them on the main road yet none of the drivers can see the police van parked up.
My question is does the van have to be visible to drivers and does it have to be parked on the road they are catching people speeding on?
It may be legal - but it doesn't feel very ethical!
John Peters from Chelmsford writes...
I live in Chelmsford at one point doing some 50,000 miles a year, now I understand speed and safety etc. But could somebody in power explain why the few speed cameras in Chelmsford are on roads in places where there hard to see and at speed change sites and they are NOT outside schools, hospitals, old peoples home etc which are on main roads?
These are were they should be, and not were the powers to be think they will make the most money, and from what I've seen this follows across the country, there not for safety there to make lots of money I feel.
Andrew from Middlesex writes...
Speed cameras are a necessity but overall, are abused as a money making technique.
Carlos-the Camera from Yorks writes...
So many worrying about concentrating on your speedo when there is a camera about!!! You passed your driving test, aware that all roads have a speed limit (this is the MAX speed, you can always drop down a bit!). You should be checking your speedo regularly whether there is a camera there or not! and as for the lady who had no tickets down south (no cameras in her area) but moving up to yorks gets 3 tickets in 3 months... think you have confirmed that you are, a menace to the roads and incapable of driving safely.
Kev from Ontario, Canada writes...
I now live near Toronto. The provincial government got rid of all speed cameras here a few years ago and now there is a big and noticable difference in driving style. Lots of speeding and seroius collisions. Police can't keep up and we have more cops than you. We need these new cameras here.
Anon from UK writes...
Speed cameras of any type require a lot of concentration to keep within the limits especially when they change from one limit to another. This is a great distraction from the rest of what's going on on the road, very dangerous in my mind.
Michael Murphy from Lancashire writes...
If as they state that these cameras are there to save lives, what is being achieved by having a mobile one on an Industrial Estate on a Saturday morning on a mainly deserted road?
What lives are at risk, hardly any people about, mainly lorries and commercial vehicles. I would like to know if there are any cameras on the same Industrial Estate during the week? I doubt it!
The annoying part of this from my point of view is that in my road there are signs with stating it is a 20mph limit, that are a waste of money as there are very few that adheres to 20mph, 40mph to 50mph maybe. It's the same story on the main road with a 30mph limit both roads are un-monitored in a residential area, until someone is killed or injured, but it is considered it is required on an Industrial Estate with little or no people around at the time.
Albert Hesloo from Scotland writes...
These cameras are a fantastic innovation, they are put in place for safety reasons, if motorists in this country obeyed the speed limits, there would be no need for cameras, but the more irresponsible motorists that are removed from our roads, makes everywhere safer.
Jasbir Dosanjh from England writes...
Speed limits are set to save lives. Thus I abide by the limit and keep within. However, I too received a speeding penalty. They claim the signs were stating 50mph on the motorway and I was doing 59mph! However, I was so sure that the signs were stating 60mph.
They claim they have recorded data that shows the cameras stating that information. Data is no good to me, I need them to show me a picture of my car speeding through the sign showing the limit they say!!
The 3 pictures only show:
1. My number plate
2. My car entering marked area
3. My car nearly leaving marked area
Speed is how non the pictures to be 59mph. But no where on the pictures does it show the signs displaying 50mph. Next week they could send me another speeding notice saying it was 40mph. I don't feel this method is right and I wonder which police force is behind this idea, not South Yorkshire again is it??
Oh well, better pay it before they add more fees on it.
David Eaton from West Yorkshire writes...
I thought that in order for a speed camera to be located there had to have been a number of deaths or serious accidents within so many metres of camera location and the cameras were not supposed to remain sited if these numbers dropped. If speed cameras worked no one would get caught. As Drivers we should be concentrating on many things around us and not be obsessed with our Speedometers...
Dean Jackson from England writes...
Of course we shouldn't speed, but the amount of speed cameras in the UK is ridiculous and it is NOT about saving lives. If it were the money invested in speed cameras on motorways should be better used making areas outside schools safe and our residential areas too. That's where people are getting knocked down isn't it
I live in a town with a dangerous crossing two of our elderly friends were ran down there, one died, one brain damage. Two young girls were killed after that. It was horrific. This is in the space of a couple of years. Before that there were many others. The town had to PROTEST to get traffic lights put there. Oddly we didn't have to protest to get the speed cameras on bends where no one crosses.
What about the pot holes, hitting one of those not dangerous? In my view we have the money to invest in speed cameras on motorways, but not making school children safe, crossings safe and fixing our roads. Odd that, isn't it? Wonder why people don't believe they are simply not for revenue? I have never had a ticket for speeding, but am sick of being notified about them. There's that many its beginning to have the opposite effect on my driving. Just my opinion.
Stuart from UK writes...
I'm not against them, but I think some of them are positioned wrongly. For example there are a few on the M74 I would regard as operating illegally they are positioned about 20 meters in front of the national speed limit sign and others are on parts of the motorway where are no roadwork's happening so no need for cameras. This is in my mind just a way of generating revenue.
Another thing is that statistics can be manipulated. Speed does and can cause accidents but not the major cause usually it's down to bad driving hogging middle lane and pulling out onto fast lane without looking and judging other cars speed. Priority always goes to faster moving vehicle.
We also need to remember cars have changed now more cars are capable of doing higher speeds brake quicker now unfortunately some drivers can't handle these cars our roads need to change as do the cars.
Zo from West Yorkshire writes...
I feel speed cameras are a way of generating money.
I lived up south where there was hardly cameras in the area and barely received one speeding ticket since the nine years of living there now since i have moved to Leeds I have so far received three tickets in span of three months of moving.
The problem is there are camera signs but no near clear indication of speed limit which is confusing as on a long stretch of road speed limits keep changing so how are you meant to know especially if you are not familiar of the area of what speed limit you should be driving. It's cunning more so that cameras are not even visible in majority of places which is frustrating.
Philip Buckmaster from Middlesex writes...
I'm not against speed cameras per se, but more with the location of them. Most are placed where it is statistically more likely that drivers will go faster than the speed limit. Why will they? Because these are places where it is USUALLY safe - and logical - to do so.
There should be a law which only allows cameras to be placed where there have been accidents in the recent past. I am sure this would prevent more accidents than the current system, but it would sure generate less revenue from safe drivers.
Everyone, even police officers, will 'speed' accidentally from time to time, it almost cannot be helped. And that is not usually dangerous. It is careless, incompetent or reckless driving that CAUSES accidents.
Whilst speed does often increase the severity of accidents when they do occur, speed itself does not equal danger. One of the problems is that speed limits are inconsistent. Sometime they are too low and sometimes too high, so drivers cannot use their instinct or road sense to drive within the so called limit. The whole issue needs to be looked at with fresh eyes, not by those with prejudice or a pre-conceived standpoint.
Roger Burchell from Staffordshire writes...
If they are all about safety then they should be sited outside schools not on dual carriageways and motorways.
Alan from Hampshire writes...
I have read many of the comments on here and there a lots that say the cameras are just a way of generating revenue.
If everyone obeyed the speed limits at all times nil revenue would be generated. So who is to blame for the authorities making all that money. I wonder.
Perhaps all cameras should be hidden to stop all the sharp braking when they are seen.
Nyge from UK writes...
I see that many comments on your page are basing speed arguments on GPS readings as being highly accurate ... I have read that this is not always so. Read "The Suitability of GPS Receivers Update Rates for Navigation Applications." In the first instance the roadside camera, when correctly used, will always be the accurate device.
How do you know you have a accurate speedometer - it suggested only a guide.
With GPS systems they commonly update readings every second for road vehicles... on older technology it maybe slower. In 1 second at 30 mph you will travel 44 feet and if you are going round a bend at the time you could typically be a straight line distance of 40 feet from your last signal reception point. Ignoring any errors in positioning by GPS.. your GPS speed is calculated from the straight line distance and could thus differ 10% from your wheel distance of 44 feet... this would show you as incorrectly travelling at 27mph.
Now roadside speed camera signals need very short time for them to work and will measure your speed more at an instant - at that point you are travelling at a speed of 30mph - but only travel a few inches during the signal time (when the road bend would have no consequence)... hence they would measure you at 30mph.
So the conclusion would be... when travelling slightly faster... the difference between being measured as being over the speed limit while thinking that you were under using GPS (given you were on a significant bend in the road).
The road bend radii which can create this type difference can often be found on our roads and would be only need to a few hundred feet.
So to compare speedometer and GPS use a straight road.
Alan from Caerphilly writes...
I was taking the wife shopping, January 2015. In no hurry, went around roundabout in Ystrad Mynach and was immediately flashed by other drivers. Camera! said the wife. Checked my speedo - 28mph/29mph.
We are way under I said. Sure enough, up the road a camera van in a layby on the side of the road with camera facing up the road away from me. About a week later I was gobsmacked to receive a summons in the post alleging I was doing 35mph in a 30mph. Wrote back disputing it and asked for evidence.
Two weeks later a photo of car arrived with 35mph in line underneath. It was a head on shot so they had a sneaky extra camera out the front windscreen. Had to take it across the carriageway in between down traffic as I was coming around a slight bend.
It's all about revenue when they resort to dirty tactics. First offence in 43 years. I paid £100 fine and dearer insurance just to get it off my mind but wish now I had disputed it in court. I shall hate them with a vengeance for the rest of my life.
Philip Strong from North Yorkshire writes...
I disapprove of the use of camera vans in North Yorkshire. They are too often parked on open roads like the A59 and A168 where they are clearly aimed at raising funds by catching law abiding motorists who happen to be doing 70MPH not 60MPH.
A lot of people I talk to feel the way I do which does nothing to enhance the reputation of the police. You should focus on areas of high numbers of pedestrians and around schools where clearly speeding is dangerous.
Sam from UK writes...
In a situation leaving a town. No 30mph signs one 50mph on the road on the way out of the town. Police camera in layby behind the 50mph sign which has 30mph on the coming into town.
So therefore catches drivers speeding up to leave the town when they see the 50mph sign That is not policing, that's taxation on a level folk cannot appeal without fear of reprisals from the courts.
Richard from Yorkshire writes...
I loathe speed cameras. The tax payer is paying to be caught speeding, and then fined!! Just yet again a government scam to earn more money from us, disguised as "safety cameras". If you crash at 70mph or 80mph what difference does it make? Drink drivers fair enough, but getting a fine and points for being a few miles over the limit c'mon. Disgraceful. Anyone in support of cameras should get a ticket and see how they like it. I don't care how careful you are we all go over the limit by mistake sometimes.
David from Yorkshire writes...
All 'safety cameras' should be painted yellow. Why paint them grey and hide them around signs and gantries if you're not deliberately trying to catch people out? Being sneaky is just going to wind up motorists.
Geoff Dyne from Northamptonshire writes...
No sympathy for speeders. There is no excuse.
Interesting the comment about being caught near a school. Doh! If you and others are caught then tuff luck. Stop your moaning and stick to the limit. Otherwise you are just selfish and deserve to be caught, fined and eventually prevented from driving.
Speeding IS a major contributor to road deaths. If you feel it is unfair then think on and consider how you would feel if a speeder killed someone you love just because they were late, tired or just lost concentration.
Paul B from Staffordshire writes...
I do agree, especially in areas of schools etc, that speed limits are there for a good reason. Hence, at the moment the trials and testing of driverless cars. Surely there is the technology out their to restrict vehicles to road speed limits via GPS. My next search will be patents pending...
Judd from West Yorkshire writes...
How many speeding motorcyclists do Truvelo cameras (and other such forward-facing speed cameras) detect?
How many drink-drivers, drug-drivers, uninsured drivers, driving on pavements who are "doing the decent thing by sticking to the speed limit" do speed cameras in general detect?
Pleeeeeease don't call them safety cameras!!
Gary from UK writes...
Approached a vairiable spped camera M25 junction 6 at approx. 70mph. The speed was changed to 60mph showing a lane closure. I came off the accelerator to reduce speed to 60mph as I was vertually under the sign it changed again to 50mph and caught myself and about four other motorists.
Other than hitting my breaks which could be very dangerous there was nothing I could do. It seems not fair that it could trigger the camera so quickly. Is there a timed gap allowed between changing the speeds as I'm sure some of the other motorists wouldn't have had a clue why they were flashed?
David Smith from Northamptonshire writes...
It's no wonder the public has total hatred and disdain for the Police. They go out to penalise the working man whilst letting the elite get away with the most unimaginable crimes. All you are is a collection agency for the worst scum on the planet whilst the government you collect for betrays you by cutting your jobs. It must be the most demoralising experience going after the poor whilst the rich that you collect for take your jobs away!! The laws you hand out are not even legal!!
Dave from Mid Glamorgan writes...
Although I think speed cameras are ok in the right places, I recently got flashed in my truck coming down the A49 in Cheshire. I am not a speed freak or speed for the hell of it, but what annoyed me was I just crept up on my speed without realising it, it was 04:30am when there is nothing about on the road at that time of the morning.
Some people speed because they are late or speed because they like going fast but it is unfair on drivers who do obey the limits but just get caught out for exceeding the limit for a few brief seconds. It is far easier to exceed the limit in a truck because the weight of the vehicle creeps the speed up very easily on the slightest of gradients.
James Jackson writes...
I was going to inform you about a speed camera site near where I live but saw that you refer to them as speed traps.
They are not traps and will not trap anyone doing the legal speed limit.
SpeedCamerasUK.com replies:
I'm sorry to learn that our website has caused you offence.
We do not refer in general to speed cameras as being speed traps. After all our website is called SpeedCamerasUK.com and not SpeedTrapsUK.com.
We use the reference 'Safety Cameras', 'Speed Traps' and many others as these are keywords that people use when using Google and other search engines to find us.
Andy Marsh from UK writes...
Do you have any data on motorway speed cams? As they are new from Feb 15 anyway, and more are planned - I've been driving nearly 30 years - and now the added nightmare of motorway cameras - I mean, on a long weekend journey - up and down the country - you could lose your licence in a day, very easily!!
IF THIS COUNTRY IS REALLY INTERESTED IN REDUCING SPEEDING - FINES SHOULD BE PROPORTIONAL TO YOUR MONTHLY WAGE - SO A BARRISTER , FOR EX , WOULD PAY A FINE MUCH MORE THAN ME , BUT IN THE END REPEAT OFFENDERS LOSE THEIR LICENSE - OR AT LEAST THEY SHOULD DO.
Malcolm from Berkshire writes...
The police these days are constantly whining on and on about 'the cuts' and lack of resources and there are many instances where they fail to turn up on time to protect members of the public from violence and other offences.
Yet somehow they do have the resources to sit in vans for hours on end eating doughnuts or whatever, catching people driving a few mph over some arbitrarily decided speed limit that takes no account of road/weather conditions.
But of course it's much safer to do this - no one is likely to stab or shoot them and they still get a 'conviction'. Apart from a tiny honourable minority, I think the police today are a bloody disgrace and most people no longer have any respect for them.
Richard Wilson from West Yorkshire writes...
In my option I think it is only fair that a casualty reduction van that is sign written should be in clear view before taking photo. Taking a picture and enforcing a ticket to a oncoming car / van, when there are so far down the road that the car or van driver can't see the camera van I feel is unfair. That really doesn't make sense, having a van sign written as you do get to see it or make out what it is until its too late.
Therefore it is pointless also when most if not all see a sign written van they hit the brake and assess their speed and ensure the casualty incident is lowered. That toe is the purpose of the van and ticket those who don't take note of warning / visual sign written van. But ticketing before human visual constant is made isn't fair and should not be allowed. CHANGE THE SIGN WRITING TO SPEED TRAPPERS not the sly tamp casualty reduction.
Chris Kelland from Bedfordshire writes...
I have this evening been stopped for driving at 43mph, according to the mobile camera held by a person in a yellow jacket on the Church Road on the A412, going north just before Rostrevor Gardens.
There was nothing to suggest there might be a speed camera on the road. It's 30mph there and then changes to 50mph. They were already dealing with one driver and when I drove off, they were dealing with another. Don't the police have to provide some advance warning?
I was told it was just part of the government's initiative to reduce road deaths, so is that location a known danger spot?
Tom from London writes...
I am an ex Police driver trained to know when you see the amber light from red, to gauge your ability to stop safely in the distance and if too close to the amber light, to actually increase speed to clear the junction quickly and safely (it's trained road craft).
In this case no other vehicles were present at the junction but for a car just to my right travelling just faster than me now if your travelling at approx. 30mph in a 30mph limit and the lights are green you are allowed to anticipate that the amber will give you safety time to react (as it happens these changed very quickly) the car just ahead of me had moved out and not signalled, and in that moment of watching his position on the road I was on the inside lane approaching the green light which turned amber leaving my breaking distance limited to severe breaking, so I chose to increased speed slightly and crossed the line to two flashes from the camera behind me (the camera puts my speed at 41mph at this point) which I refute as I immediately looked at my speed to be under 40mph the amber moved to red much faster than I would have normally anticipate now we know why this is in itself dangerous, as knowing I hadn't crossed the line on red (which is seriously dangerous) I was now partially distracted as I crossed the junction.
I have driven and ridden since 1967 without a conviction and now find myself looking at 3 points and £100 fine with increased insurance costs. I was not aware the cameras had been altered as mentioned or I would have just hit the brakes very hard and hoped for the best it seems that the machine is right and I am wrong.
I object to being criminalised by this change as my actions for that short duration were valid, considered and safe for the conditions I was aware the camera was at that junction so I wasn't being fool hardy I might add that my reactions at 64 years are still better than a class 1 driver in the MET Police today (I have my driving skills refreshed every year with reaction times).
Jonathan Ward from UK writes...
I have just received notice that I am to be prosecuted for doing 36mph in a 30mph zone. This is the second time this has happened to me in under 3 years. I really think that all fixed speed cameras should have the prevailing limit clearly displayed on the yellow cabinet. In both my cases I thought I was in a 40mph zone. What a scam these cameras are.
William Johnson from UK writes...
I have recently been on a speed awareness course, but i feel that the camera which spotted me driving at 38mph was incorrectly positioned as all the lampposts had 40 mph signs on them.
I have asked the safety camera unit for the exact/precise position of the camera van, but they will only give me the vague answer of "entrance to field" which i feel is not good enough. Perhaps they know that their van was incorrectly positioned.
My wife and I saw the van and felt comfortable with our speed and the position of the van does not equate with their position as it was in a layby directly ahead of us and to the left.
Carl from Staffordshire writes...
Driving between junction 26 and junction 25 southbound on the M1, I saw a sign warning of a vehicle fire, It was 11:40pm and the road was very quiet, an overhead gantry sign said 60mph so I slowed from 70mph to 60mph, the next gantry sign said 50mph so I slowed to 50mph. The next one said 40mph but there was no sign of a vehicle nor any traffic build up, I eased off a little then flash
I glanced at my speedo and saw I was below 50mph, then a few hundred yards on I saw a recovery lorry reversing up to a now burnt out car to take it away. As I said there was very little traffic on the road and no apparent danger.
Sure enough a few days later I had a letter stating my speed was 47mph. I have opted for an awareness course rather than a fine and points .Fair cop I suppose but not much further on I was repeatedly overtaken by cars probably doing 90mph or more whilst I stuck to 70mph.
My advice is if you see a gantry sign, obey it even if you can't see a reason. Happy motoring.
K Cissewski writes...
My son had to drive on the A303 in the firms van, he has been sent a speeding ticket saying he exceeded the COMMERCIAL SPEED LIMIT. He has never driven a van before and did not see any warning signs about this restriction? He is very upset as if he had known this he would have driven more carefully just wish there wss more information about this money spinner.
SpeedCamerasUK.com comments...
UK speed cameras are calibrated for different types of vehicles and at the different speeds. For example while the speed limit may be 60mph for cars, the speed limit is only 50mph for larger vehicles.
You can read more information in the Highway code and on the following government webpage.
Arthur from Merseyside writes...
More money is made from drivers who are just over the limited speed. The real speeders are up on where the speed cameras are and don't get snapped.
We live in a country with a government that aids and abets the police in the use of trickery to trap drivers, thus making millions.
Mohammed writes...
The problem with the variable speed limit and their cameras is that there seems to be no consistency at times. I'm wise enough to always follow the limit cause I can't be bothered to deal with the fine and points and then increased insurance. But I can see why others are getting sick of them. At times it's a joke, 60mph to 40mph to 50mph and then back to 40mph. At times there are signs for a traffic collision or stranded vehicle and you drive as normal waiting to see some vehicles on the side but nothing. Often the roads have been cleared and the speed limits haven't changed. The whole system is wrong, it is purely for money making and nothing else.
Anonymous from Wiltshire writes...
I agree with speed cameras at danger spots. But there is a 50mph camera on a dual carriage section of the A4 out of Bath, yet on a stretch of the A361 nearby where there have been numerous deaths, nothing! The dual carriageway has no pedestrians etc can only be a cash generator. With so many cameras around, how does one concentrate on all the other traffic and people??? Absolutely crazy...
Paul Glover from South Yorkshire writes...
I drive the A14 (A1-M11) twice a month and always stick to 60mph more or less. I know how the system works but am amazed at the number of vehicles that pass me and the number that brake as they pass the speed cameras. I wonder how many vehicles are issued with fines?
Keith Perry writes...
Why are you being so irresponsible? I have never been "caught" (i.e. broken the law) for speeding as I keep to speed limits, as they are there for a purpose. I would welcome a return to the grey hidden cameras and it being illegal to publish their location. Or even better still, no speed cameras, speed bumps etc. at all, as all motorists have grown up and realise the purpose of the limits.
SpeedCamerasUK.com comments...
The reason that speed cameras exist is to slow traffic down in accident black spot locations. The reason that they are painted yellow is to highlight the accident black spot location.
If cameras as you suggest were hidden or painted grey, motorists wouldn't have prior warning of the accident blackspot location and hence accidents would continue to occur.
Eric Richards from Gwynedd writes...
A 72 year old driver told me recently that he was "done" for 34 mph literally just yards into a 30 limit that comes as you descend a steep hill into a village with about eight houses, nice easy touch for the Police. Of course like many people I now see the Police as the enemy of the motoring public, as a past professional driver at the age of 58 and with more driving miles under my belt than any of these wet behind the ears coppers sneaking about with their cameras will ever see I have two observations to make
If this is all about road safety, why do I witness the local boy racers going up and down my home town of Tywyn's main street at very much more than 30 MPH, without so much as the single site of a copper, let alone a camera, yet last Sunday on a fine clear day on the A470 which is one of the longest and straightest roads in these parts do we have PC plod half way down the very long dead straight hill in his Volvo estate and his Polaroid camera at the ready taking his snaps of us law breakers, mind you that is a little unfair the cars do represent a very real danger to the odd rabbit, children, no none of those, pedestrians, no sorry none of them either, folk crossing the road, no sorry again not a house in miles, other vehicles, well drive this road in January and you may see one every five minutes or so, apart that is for PC plod.
Come on politicians treat us as adults, put cameras where their is a definite safety issue, near schools might be a good idea, or old folks homes, oh sorry that's too much like common sense.
Chas from Newport writes...
I have just seen an item on the BBC where a chap called Chris Haskins from Portland was forced to prove his own innocence by obtaining the photos and using internet software to prove his speed was only 13.4 miles per hour. I assume he did this using the white markings on the road... More significantly, however, the local organisation that runs the camera (on the A351) has admitted the problem was caused by a reflected signal but that this occurrence is "very rare" - the question is how rare?
Will from Middlesex writes...
As a new driver recently caught by a speed camera hidden behind a tree in Enfield, I am now half way to loosing my licence already, after only 3 months. I will now have my eyes glued to the Speedo, because if it happens again I've lost it. But I'm sure that the DVLA, DSA and the Government will be very happy if I lose my licence, because then they receive £30 for my new provisional licence, £20 for my theory test, £40 for my driving test, £12 for my new full licence, as well as the £160 in speeding fines. With this money they will probably erect more speed cameras.
And all this just for travelling at 43mph in a 40mph zone whilst trying to concentrate on the road ahead rather than constantly checking my speed.
anonymous visitor from Hertfordshire writes...
Bad driving, poor concentration and inappropriate speed aggression all in part contribute to accidents. I have a speed camera alert system - not to speed but to help keep up with constantly changing limits, as all the locals set low limits in there area. I am amazed that on wide open dual carriageways 40/50mph limits are applied to please the locals businesses and commerce that need good, efficient, safe road links city to city. Anyone speeding near a school or on a housing estate should get the fine, penalty points and have to attend a course run by the police...
anonymous visitor writes...
...I am a driving instructor and I teach all my pupils to stay at or just below the speed limit, just like I do myself. OK so there are people on the road who do drive far to fast for the road conditions, but a £60 fine and 3 points for doing 33 mph in a 30mph zone is a joke, its all about money. Your that busy keeping a check on your speed you tend to miss other road signs or hazards.
Nigel, from Mid Glamorgan writes...
I firmly believe in road safety and especially to pedestrians, however I believe vehicles today are far superior and technically capable than of years ago. I believe that the national dual carriageway speed should increase leaving the built up areas to be strictly monitored.
Craig, from Lincolnshire writes...
True words, as a pedestrian, cyclist and car driver I agree. However, I see some bloody awful cyclists and pedestrians too. Cyclists that race cars and buses, weaving in and out of traffic, heads down cycling as fast as possible in somewhat kinky cycling shorts, probably in the belief that they are in the Tour De France. Cyclists on the pavements, meant for pedestrians. Drunk cyclists. Cyclists ignoring perfectly useable cycle lanes and dedicated cycle routes. Pedestrians walking straight out in front of cars, buses cycles, etc. (About time we had jay walking laws)
Car drivers, well, we know about them...U turns where not allowed, driving in bus/cycle lanes, speeding etc. We are all to blame for something. This does not negate the fact that car drivers are cash cows for the government, (lets face it, its the car tax that pays for the bike lanes) and speed cameras set to trigger at 10% above speed limits or hidden behind trees are just a ploy to extricate more money from us.
I have been photographed, by a camera on the M4 in Wales, normally a 70mph zone, but in this case, there was a sign that said road works ahead, speed 50mph. There were no roadwork's, no cones etc.. but there was a working camera. Flash! Bugger! It appears the works had finished that day, but the camera had not been set back to 70! I phoned the local Police, friendly, informative, but could do nothing.
To get the fine quashed, would have meant two days off of work to visit an unknown town in Wales, in the hope that I could convince a beak (who probably breaks driving laws anyway) that I was `robbed`. Obviously, I just paid the fine. It was cheaper!
See the problem now?
Malc D, from Staffordshire writes...
...I have noticed that police forces persist in naming these cash cows "safety cameras"! I would have no objection to this if the cameras were placed at potential danger spots such as schools, hospitals etc., but when they are situated on a straight stretch of dual carriageway (A14 anyone?) I think they're having a laugh.
These cameras are being used to enable forces to re-allocate traffic officers to other duties in order to compensate for the continuing shortage of police officers throughout the country, so there is no benefit to the public with regard to increased prevention / solving of other, more serious crime.
Cameras are incapable of making judgements based on road conditions, weather, time of day etc., so an idiot speeding in fog will get the same fine as another motorist speeding in full sunlight! As ever, the motorist is being used by Gordon Brown as a cash cow to sponsor his government - perhaps we should have a logo displayed on his official car (that's what happens in Motorsport!).
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Last updated: 1st August 2024
