I’m an ex-cop – here are 5 speed camera myths all drivers need to know to stay safe behind the wheel

SPEED camera officer has debunked myths about speeding to help Brits stay safe at the wheel.

Ex-Cop Gareth Thomas says some motorists might think they have a clue how they can be pinged by a cheeky camera – but often they have no idea.

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There’s a far-reaching list of assumptions motorists have made about how traffic laws really work – here Gareth highlights three of the most common.

The 10 percent rule

Although police are advised to give drivers leeway, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get away with speeding 10 percent.

There is no set amount of km/h you can exceed as drivers are designed to strictly adhere to the restrictions – meaning you could be fined if you exceed just 1km/h .

Cameras are just one way to make money for cops

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

But all proceeds from fines go to the Treasury – so forces and safety partners make no profit

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

GoSafe places speed cameras and red light cameras where people have been killed or injured, where speeding has been recorded, or where the community is impacted.

Speed ​​cameras only pay attention to speed

Gareth says that’s not true.

They also make sure you are buckled up and not using your phone while driving.

Yes. Officers are there to ensure you are buckled up and not using your cellphones behind the wheel. Anyone violating these laws will be prosecuted.

It is illegal to eat while driving

This is another myth that is not true.

However, you can be prosecuted for negligent driving if you are distracted behind the wheel.

Gareth, said: “It is to be approved. I once caught my eye on a lady and she looked in the mirror and put on lipstick.

“She rode on the cat’s eyes in the middle of the road and drove off. I have recommended that she be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.”

It’s okay to use your headlights to warn other drivers of speed cameras

Again, this is not true.

As part of the Highway Code, drivers are instructed to use their headlights “just to let other road users know you’re there” and not try to “convey any other message”.

Flashing your headlights to warn other drivers of a speed trap on the road ahead can result in fines of up to £1,000 if caught by police.

However, Gareth says it is very difficult to prove. He said: “I don’t mind people blinking to warn them of the speed van – I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”