Speeding Shock: Nearly 1 in 10 Drivers Punch It Right After Speed Cameras
New research exposes a brazen trend on UK roads: almost one in ten drivers slam the accelerator and speed within just 100 metres after passing a speed camera. Some hotshots were caught doing almost double the 30mph limit in this blink-and-you-miss-it stretch.
Speeding Rampage Across Major Cities
The study tracked nearly 13,500 cars cruising through speed cameras in 30mph zones in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Over 1,000 motorists broke the speed limit mere seconds after the camera blinked. Churchill Motor Insurance collected the live tracking data revealing the reckless rush.
- Top speeds recorded: 57mph in Cardiff – nearly double the limit
- 50mph in London
- 47mph in Edinburgh
The findings highlight a worrying pattern: drivers slow down only when eyeballs or cameras are on them, then hit the gas and fly once out of sight.
Insurance Boss Blasts Drivers’ Wake-up Call Ignored
“Many drivers ignore speed limits except when they know there’s a risk of being caught,” said Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance. “Fear of points or a £100 fine beats the known safety risks of speeding for some. Yet a quarter of deadly UK crashes involve speeding. Speed limits are there to save lives – drivers need to remember that behind the wheel.”
Speeding fines start at £100 plus three penalty points. Some lucky offenders may dodge points by taking a speed awareness course costing around £80-£100.
Speed Camera Myths Busted
Myth 1: Speed vans must be visible at all times. Nope. There’s no legal rule requiring vans to stay visible. Officers can operate undercover or at night. But visibility is the usual tactic to deter speeders.
Gareth Thomas, Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, explained: “Legally, I could camouflage myself, but it’s about fairness, education, and accident prevention. Even parking and stepping away deters speeding people immediately.”
Myth 2: Flashing headlights to warn others about speed vans is legal. Technically, flashing your headlights to alert others could breach section 89 of the Police Act 1997 for obstructing a constable. But Gareth says proving this is tough, and he doesn’t mind it since the goal is safe driving.
Myth 3: What happens if I get caught speeding? The minimum speeding fine is £100, but penalties depend on how fast you were going. Police may offer a speed awareness course – proven to improve driver behaviour – as an alternative to fines and points.
Gareth adds: “Courses are for those caught no more than 10% plus 9 mph over the limit and who quickly respond to notices. Repeat offenders or those speeding excessively (like 86mph on a motorway) won’t qualify.”
