Speed camera officer busts most common speeding fine myths 'drivers always get wrong'

Motorists be warned, it turns out some of the reassurances you've been telling yourself about speed camera may not be quite true.

An ex-police officer has broken down some of the biggest myths for speeding fines that motorists wrongly believe alongside some common driving habits that could actually see you land a fine.

Do speed camera have to be visible by law?

Former police officer Gareth Thomas revealed there's actually no laws around visibility when it comes to catching someone speeding.

“Legally, we don’t have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I want to, but it’s all about being fair, education and preventing an accident," he told North Wales Live.

He added that being noticeable can be beneficial as it can help put people off wanting to speed.

Are speed cameras just a way for the police to make money?

People often get things wrong about speed cameras (Getty Stock Image)

Any money made from speeding fines is passed on to the Treasury, rather than remaining with forces and safety partners.

What can you be fined for?

It’s also best to avoid eating while behind the wheel until you’re out of the car as it’s actually against the law to eat while driving, he warned.

That’s because, if you get distracted, you can be pulled up for careless driving, Gareth said.

There are many other reasons you can get fined by speed van officers.

Some are more obvious such as not wearing a seatbelt or using your mobile phone. But there are some other factors that many may not be aware of.

Do speed camera vans only catch you if you're driving towards the camera?

Don't get caught out (Getty Stock Image)

Gareth said: “If you’re exceeding the speed limit – whether you’re driving in the same or opposite direction to the van – you can expect a speeding ticket.”

And if you think you’re being helpful in warning other road users of a speeding van by flashing your lights, you could also be in breach of the law.

That’s because it’s classed as an offence under the Police Act to wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty.

Although Gareth added that this isn’t something he is particularly bothered about and said: “I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”