Q: What are the different types of speed camera?
A: Please visit our Speed Traps Section for detailed descriptions.
Q: What do mobile camera vans look like?
A: Camera Vans vary in appearance from region to region. Safety Camera Vans (which enforce speed limits) can often be confused with DVLA and Police CCTV Vans which are used to target people without tax, insurance and to record public disorder. Please refer to our Safety Camera Partnerships section for information on camera vans.
Q: Do the cameras at traffic lights also catch you for speeding?
A: Generally no. They either act as Red Light enforcement or Speed cameras.
Q: I've heard that the Highways Agency have started using cameras on top of their traffic information signs to catch speeding motorists, is this true?
A: Quite simply, no. The Highways Agency do not use their CCTV Cameras to enforce speed limits. These cameras are used to monitor traffic flow and alert the Agency to accidents. The highways agency do however use Gantry Cameras to enforce variable speed limits when applied to sections of motorway.
Q: Can the New Highway Patrol Vehicles I've seen on the motorway stop me for speeding?
A: No, the Highways Agency Patrol Vehicles & Officers cannot stop you for speeding, they are there to keep traffic moving, and to deal with broken down vehicles and accidents on the motorways.
Q: How fast do you have to be travelling to be caught and penalised for speeding?
A: Most camera partnerships work to the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines. These state that people travelling any faster than 10% plus 2 MPH over the marked speed limit are liable to prosecution (e.g.. 79MPH on the Motorway). There are however other factors such as speedometer inaccuracy to take into consideration. Please read the Caught by Camera and Fines & Points sections for further details.
Q: I was flashed by a camera, do you think it had film in it?
A: This depends on the type of camera. The original Gatso™ and Truvelo™ cameras are film cartridge based, and have to be reloaded on a regular basis, so it is possible for these cameras to run out of film. However, many Safety Camera Partnerships have started using the newer RedSpeed™ Cameras. These use digital imaging technology and electronically send photos back to the local control centre. They don't run out of film - if you’re flashed by these cameras it's very likely that you have been caught. Visit our Speed Traps section for pictures of the main types of speed camera.
Q: How long until I hear whether I have been caught or not?
A: If you think you've been caught on camera (either mobile or fixed), a notice of intended prosecution has to be issued within 14 days of the offence taking place. The NIP is usually sent by post. If you haven't heard anything after 14 days, its unlikely that you have been caught.
Q: I have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution. What happens now?
A: Visit our Just Been Caught section for more information..
Q: How long will the penalty points stay on my licence for?
A: This is covered by the 3-4-5 Rule. Points are valid for a period of Three years, can be removed from your licence after Four years, and car insurance companies want to know about any penalty points you have received in the last five years.
Q: What is a fixed Penalty?
A: A fixed penalty is a way of dealing with a motoring offence, such as speeding, without going through the court system. An example fixed penalty might be a £60 fine and 3 points added to your licence for an SP-30 offence (Exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road).
Q: I was travelling 30 MPH over the marked speed limit and I think I've been caught...
A: If you were travelling 30 MPH faster than the marked speed limit and you've been caught by fixed or mobile cameras then your case cannot be dealt with by a fixed penalty. If you were stopped by the Police you have received a verbal Notice of Intended Prosecution and will receive a Court Summons within 6 months. If you were caught on camera, a Blue Notice of Intended Prosecution will be issued, followed by a Court Summons.