Nearly One in Ten Drivers Hit the Pedal Just After Speed Cameras! New data reveals a shocking trend: almost 10% of motorists start flooring it within 100 metres of passing a speed camera. In some cases, drivers were clocked doing nearly double the 30mph limit just after the cameras.
Alarming Stats from London’s Streets to Cardiff’s Roads
Churchill Motor Insurance tracked nearly 13,500 cars zipping through speed camera zones in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Over 1,000 drivers blatantly broke the speed limit seconds after the camera snapped them.
- Highest post-camera speeds recorded: 57mph in Cardiff
- 50mph in London
- 47mph in Edinburgh
All well above the legal 30mph limit, these speeds pose serious safety risks on urban roads.
Expert Reaction: Drivers Only Fear the Fine, Not the Danger
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, blasted the reckless behaviour: “Many drivers only respect speed limits when they fear being caught. The threat of licence points or a £100 fine seems to matter more than the very real danger of speeding. Yet a quarter of fatal UK crashes involve speeding motorists. Speed limits aren’t there to annoy us – they’re to keep everyone safe.”
Speeding Penalties: Fines, Points, and Courses
Getting caught speeding can set you back at least £100 plus three points on your licence. Some drivers might dodge the fine and points by attending a speed awareness course, which costs around £80-£100.
Myth Busting: What You Didn’t Know About Speed Cameras
- Speed Van Visibility: Contrary to popular belief, speed vans don’t have to be visible. Officer Gareth Thomas revealed, “We aren’t legally required to be seen; I could even camouflage myself. But the goal is education and accident prevention.”
- Flashing Headlights Warning: Flashing your lights to warn others about a speed van might technically break the law under the Police Act 1997, but proving it is tough. Gareth adds, “It doesn’t bother me when people flash – I want to educate drivers and encourage safer speeds.”
- Who Gets Speed Awareness Courses? Drivers travelling just slightly over the limit (within 10% plus 9mph) and quick to respond to notices can get the course instead of a fine. But if you’re hitting 86mph or more on a motorway, or have points already, expect fewer chances to dodge penalties. Gareth warns, “These courses are proven to improve behaviour and make roads safer.”
