The ‘myths’ of police radars on which drivers will avoid fines | United Kingdom | News
Drivers have long believed they might get caught speeding if the camera van breaks a number of widely held rules. These include supposed laws regarding signage, visibility, and even where the van is parked.
However, a partnership with police cameras has now spoken out against the “myths” people believe around speed cameras. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership has published on its website just how wrong drivers can get – and how the law sees it https://speedorsafety.com/caught-speeding/speed-camera-facts- and-myths.
The partnership said: “It is often the case that motorists think they have a pretty good handle on the facts about speed cameras and road safety in general, but this is not always the case. We don’t use underhanded tactics to stop speeding drivers or install speed cameras just to make money.
“On this page we discuss some of the most common myths about speed cameras. So whatever your opinions on the subject, you might find the following ideas interesting or even surprising.
Myth: you have to be a police officer
Answer: “No, the law enforcement officer can be a trained civilian with authorization from the Chief of Police. »
Myth: “You have to be visible”
Answer: “No, there are no visibility laws, however, we maintain that being visible has a deterrent effect, which is why we only used marked vehicles and all speed cameras are high yellow visibility.”
Myth: “You have to put up signs”
Answer: “No, we do not need to place signs at a control site. However, to help drivers who are unsure of the speed limit, a sign is attached to street furniture or placed at the side of the road before entering the control zone. NB only on our main application sites.
Myth: “The speeding threshold is 10% + 2 mph, so I can drive 35 mph within a 30 mph limit”
Answer: “Thresholds vary and are subject to change without notice. Any infraction occurs 1 mph over the limit, officially you can be pursued at this speed, however, most forces will allow a deviation.
Myth: “Where police camera vans park is crucial”
Answer: “A van with a camera is not subject to parking rules during speed enforcement. However, we expect our staff to exercise discretion and common sense while respecting local guidelines and designated parking locations.
Do officers enforce anything other than speeding?
Yes. Officers are there to make sure you wear your seat belt and don’t use your cell phone while driving. Anyone caught breaking these laws will be prosecuted.
Is it illegal to eat while driving?
“No, it is not illegal to eat while driving. However, if you become distracted by snacking while driving, the police could charge you with careless driving if they believe you are not in proper control of the vehicle, an offense punishable by an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points. »
“She was riding on the cat’s eye in the center of the road and veering. I recommended that she be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.
Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a 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, insiders said that even if it is a crime, it is very difficult to prove.
