Three Commonly Accepted Myths About Speed ​​Cameras That Drivers Always Get Wrong

A SPEED camera operator has revealed three commonly held myths about speeding that can result in a fine.

Former police officer Gareth Thomas says drivers often have no idea they could be stung for hundreds of pounds.

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Over time, drivers have apparently made various assumptions about whether road laws actually apply.

But Gareth has dispelled some of these misconceptions, backed by years of experience cracking down on bad driving.

Camera operators do NOT need to be seen

Gareth says there are no laws about visibility when it comes to camera operators trying to capture a speeding driver.

No rule prevents a police officer from catching a car exceeding the speed limit in the shadows.

He said: “Legally, we don’t need to be visible.

“I could camouflage myself if I wanted, but it’s all about being fair, educating and preventing accidents.”

Police officers generally do not operate in the dark, as being noticed can help deter speed freaks.

Cameras are just a way to make money for police officers

Another popular myth is that security cameras are an easy way to make money for the police.

But all revenue from fines is passed on to the Treasury – so security forces and partners make no profit.

Gareth added that operators are “just here to catch people who are speeding”.

GoSafe places speed and red light cameras where people have been killed or injured, where excessive speeds have been recorded, or in places of community interest.

It is NOT illegal to eat while driving

It’s against the law to eat while driving, but if you get distracted – for example, when trying to find that greasy sliver that slipped out of your hands – the police could catch you for careless driving.

Gareth once pressed for the prosecution of a driver who was crossing the road while looking at his face in the mirror and putting on lipstick.

He said she was “driving without due care and attention” as she was “riding into the eyes of cats in the middle of the road”.

Of course, police officers in fast vans can also attack you for not wearing a seat belt or for using your cell phone while driving.

What else?

These are other myths that drivers may believe – like thinking you won’t get a ticket unless you’re traveling in the same direction the officer is facing you.

No matter which way you’re travelling, Gareth says: “If you exceed the speed limit – whether you’re driving in the same or opposite direction as the van – you can expect a speeding fine.”

Flashing your lights to alert others to a fast van nearby could be a violation of the law.

However, Gareth said that although it is a criminal offense under the Police Act to “deliberately obstruct an officer in the performance of his duty”, he is not ‘bothered’ by motorists doing so.

He explained: “I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”

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