Warning to drivers, many have been caught speeding 100 meters past the speed cameras.

New figures have revealed that almost one in ten drivers drive just 100 meters after passing a speed camera.

The study found some drivers were guilty of doubling the speed limit on the short stretch of road following the camera.

According to the study, of almost 13,500 cars passing speed cameras in 30mph zones in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, more than 1,000 drivers were breaking the law within seconds.

The information comes from live road monitoring carried out by Churchill Motor Insurance.

The highest speeds recorded by drivers speeding past speed cameras in 30mph zones were 57mph in Cardiff, almost double the speed limit, 50mph in London and 47mph in Edinburgh.

Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, commented: “Analyzing actual driver behavior across the UK, it is clear that many drivers ignore speed limits unless they know there is a risk of getting caught.

“Fear of getting points on your license or a £100 fixed fine appears to have a greater influence on driving behavior than the well-known safety risks of speeding.

“Even though we know that a quarter of fatal accidents in the UK involve a motorist driving too fast5, such statistics do not appear to be a sufficient deterrent.

“When we get behind the wheel, it is essential to remember that speed limits are there to keep us and others safe. »

The minimum fine for speeding is £100 and a three-point license, although drivers may be offered a speed awareness course, usually costing between £80 and £100 as an alternative.

Common myths about speed cameras

Is it true that speed vans must be visible at all times?

No. There are no visibility laws, so nothing stops an officer from operating in the dark. But they often don’t choose to do so and argue that being visible has a deterrent effect in itself.

Gareth Thomas, head of loss reduction, said: “Legally we don’t need to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to – but it’s all about being fair, educating and preventing an accident. Even if I park my van. and I went for a walk somewhere, that would immediately deter people from speeding. »

Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speeding van?

If drivers choose to flash to warn others of the presence of a fast van, they could be breaking the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997, it is an offense to “willfully obstruct a police officer in the exercise of his duty”.

However, Gareth says that even though it is a crime, it is very difficult to prove. He said: “I don’t mind people flashing to warn them about the speeding van – I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speeding deterrent.”

What happens if I get caught speeding?

It all depends on the circumstances in which you were caught speeding and how far you were over the limit. The minimum penalty for speeding on UK roads is a fine of £100.

But Gareth explained that in certain circumstances the police can offer the option of taking a speed awareness course – an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: “An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behavior and therefore make our roads safer.

“Courses are offered to drivers who respond quickly to ‘warnings’ and drive at a speed no greater than 10 percent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit.”

So, for example, anyone driving more than 140 km/h on a motorway will not be offered the awareness course. Those who do not have a clean license when you take up the role, or if you have completed the course within the last three years, it is unlikely that the awareness course will be offered to you as an option.