They're the bane of many motorists lives, but they are essential for keeping us safe - speed cameras may be a pain but they no doubt save lives.

However, to some, they are shrouded in mystery with all sorts of myths and urban legends floating about regarding how they actually work.

So while the following ten things are often said about speed cameras, and speeding in general - are they all true?

Road safety charity Brake spoke to sister site Gazette Live about the truth behind some of the most popular claims.

Here's what they said:

1) Not all speed cameras work, some are switched off - True

A Brake spokesman said: "Various Freedom of Information requests have revealed that some speed cameras are not fully operational in the UK.

"Brake fully supports the use of speed cameras, and would encourage the return to use of any cameras that have been turned off. Speed cameras are proven to reduce speeding, and can catch far higher numbers of speeding drivers than traffic police with mobile cameras."

2) You have to be speeding at least 10% of the limit plus 2mph, to get caught - False (ish)


However, guidance provided by the NPCC (Naional Police Chiefs Council, formally ACPO, Association of Chief Police Officers), suggests that officers do not seek prosecution of a driver until they have exceeded the speed limit by 10%, plus 2mph.

Brake says: "It is important to note this guidance is not legally entrenched, and that officers have the discretion to act outside it – drivers should be aware that this guidance also does not mean that they can break the speed limit legally."

A Safer Roads Humber speed camera van
A Safer Roads Humber speed camera van

3) If you drive really fast, you won't trigger the camera - False


4) Speed cameras must be painted yellow to be legal - False

The Government wants all speed cameras in England painted yellow. But if you're caught on a grey one before that happens, tough - the offence is still valid.

5) Average speed cameras don't really work and that's why some people ignore them - False

The spokesman from Brake said: "Average speed cameras are an effective way to prevent dangerous driver behaviour."They are particularly beneficial as they enforce limits over a longer stretch of road, preventing law-breaking drivers from being able to speed up again immediately after passing a camera."



The notice goes to the individual the vehicle is registered to.

7) You can request a speed awareness course - False


Police often put out mobile speed cameras to monitor UK roads
Speed camera in police van

8) You can do a speed awareness course more than once - Sometimes true


9) If you get a speed awareness course, you don't have to declare it on your insurance – False


10) You can even get caught on a bicycle or horse - False

"Whilst it is unlikely that a cyclist, or other road user on non-motorised transport, would be able to reach the necessary speeds to be above the limit, the law holds that legislation around speed limits covers only motor or mechanically propelled vehicles," said the spokesman for Brake.