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Speed Camera Officer Reveals What Speed You Can Go Before Getting A Ticket

Speed Camera Officer Reveals What Speed You Can Go Before Getting A Ticket

The Go Safe speed reduction officer has dispelled some common myths about speed cameras

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A speed camera operator has revealed all about his job and helped separate the facts from the fiction when it comes to speeding.

Gareth Thomas, who is a Go Safe speed reduction officer in North Wales, has shared how the cameras work, what sets them off and exactly how fast you can go without being flashed.

Speaking to the Daily Post Wales, he said: "The aim of cameras is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"Go Safe prefers to educate drivers rather than punish them with fines and penalty points."

Daily Post Wales

He said: "You will not get a ticket provided your speed does not exceed the limit by more than 10 percent, plus 1mph on North Wales roads.

"So for example, travelling at 35mph or above in a 30mph zone will be recorded as a speeding offence."

However, Go Safe do say thresholds vary and can change without notice, so your best bet is just not to speed at all - because officially, any speeding offence occurs at 1mph above the limit, but most forces will allow a variance.

He went on to say that contrary to popular belief, the speed vans he works in do not need to be visible.

Ex-police officer Gareth said mobile speed camera operatives will often park up in clear view of motorists to act as a deterrent.

He went on to clear up other grey areas - confirming that the officers will also hand step in if they see other laws being broken, such as driving without a seatbelt or using your phone while driving.

He then revealed that it isn't illegal to eat while driving, but if you munching away is a distraction then you could be pulled for careless driving.

He added: "It is endorsable. I had one lady in view once and she was looking in the mirror and putting lipstick on.

"She was riding on the cat's eyes in the centre of the road and veering. I recommended that she was prosecuted for driving without due care and attention."

PA

Gareth also explained what happens to anyone who does get caught speeding, explaining that the minimum penalty is a £100 fine - but in some circumstances, police may offer the option of attending a speed awareness course.

Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.

"Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 percent, plus 9mph above the posted speed limit."

Featured Image Credit: Daily Post Wales

Topics: Traffic