fast and curious
Average speed cameras: Can I change lane to avoid being fined?
Plus how much you could be fined
AVERAGE speed cameras can catch drivers speeding without giving them the chance to quickly hit the breaks before a flash.
Our run down below reveals all you need to know about average speed cameras.
1
What are average speed cameras?
Average speed cameras check your speed between two points in a road using automatic number plate recognition.
The cameras are known as SPECS and were introduced into the UK in 1999.
A set of small cameras - painted yellow - are positioned on an extended lamppost, followed by another set anywhere between 200m and 10km further down the road.
And they can appear on dual carriageways, motorways, during roadworks or smaller roads.
If this speed is over the limit you'll be fined £100 and given three penalty points - even if you're going below the allowed speed at the point you pass the camera.
The cover of darkness isn't a free pass to speed on through those motorway roadworks - even if there's nobody working and the road is clear.
Average speed cameras have infra-red so they work at night and in any weather as well.
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SPECS takes its name from Speed Check Services Limited, who originally manufactured the cameras.
Can I change lane to avoid being fined?
No, you can't change lane to avoid a fine.
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While early systems may have been fooled in this way, setups now use two sets of cameras at each point so they can track all the lanes to compare data.
Weaving between lanes at speed won't dodge a fine and will likely cause an accident.
Are average speed cameras always switched on?
Many fixed site cameras are switched off or don't have film in meaning if you see a flash you won't always get a fine and points.
But average speed checks are a lot more punishing as the entirely digital system won't run out of film and can fire off automatic fine notices for as long as they're installed.
How much is the fine?
It is a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of a £100 fine and three points on their licence.
Drivers can avoid the points and opt for a speed awareness course.
As long as your average speed is below the legal limit then accidentally cruising at 60mph in a 50mph won't land you a fine - so long as you've evened it out by going at 40mph for the same distance.
You might also think if you're on a motorway roadwork stretch you can speed as you'll be leaving at a junction during the average speed check or stopping at a service station.
But beware, the first and last cameras aren't always the ones paired, so you never know at what point your average speed is being clocked.
Will I be let off if I'm within the 10 per cent rule?
Traffic police often won't bother pulling you over if you're going at 10 per cent over the speed limit unless you're driving dangerously.
There's a tolerance built into all systems to account for accuracy of speedometers and cameras so it's likely if you're a few miles over the average you'll escape a fine.
But the letter of the law states that if you're even 1mph over the limit you can be fined, so you won't have any grounds for complaint if a super-accurate camera snaps you.
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