(Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
DRIVERS sometimes think they can get away with being a few mph over the limit in a 30mph zone - but that was a costly mistake for one woman who was fined for being 6mph over the limit.
Jennifer Gibson was caught by an automatic camera exceeding the speed limit on November 15 last year.
Gibson pleaded guilty to the offence on August 4.
She was fined £416 for the offence. In addition, Gibson, 38, of Longworth Road, Oxford, was ordered to pay £120 in costs and a £166 surcharge.
Her driving record was endorsed with three penalty points. The court took her guilty plea into account when deciding the penalty.
The size of the punishment can be even higher as the speed increases.
In 2024, a driver was fined and had to pay costs of over £1,000 and received five points on their licence after being found guilty of driving 48mpn in 30mph zone on Bradford's Manchester Road.
What about the ten per cent plus two rule?
For many years, many motorists have believed that there is a “10 per cent +2 rule” when it comes to speed cameras, suggesting that drivers can exceed the speed limit without facing consequences.
However, the truth is that it’s actually up to the area’s individual forces themselves to decide, meaning drivers could find themselves with hefty fines or penalties.
It originates from speed enforcement guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is designed to take into account speed guns used by the police aren’t always 100 per cent accurate.
However, it is also stated the guidelines “do not and cannot replace a police officer’s discretion”, meaning it is no guarantee of avoiding prosecution.
Common speed camera myths
Here are some other common speed camera misconceptions.
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