Motorists in Swindon are being warned not to fall for a long-standing motorway speeding myth that could prove costly.
Experts say many drivers think smart motorway speed cameras are only active at certain times, potentially leading them to exceed the limit.
If you are caught speeding, you can expect hefty fines, penalty points and even disqualification from driving.
A motoring specialist has urged drivers to remember that motorway cameras can enforce speed limits at any time and not to rely on outdated assumptions.
7 common speed camera myths
Graham Conway, from leading vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing, explained that a surprisingly large number of drivers still believe smart motorway cameras are not in operation all of the time.
That’s false, and gantry cameras can still catch motorists going above 70mph even when no variable limit is in place.
He said: “We hear this quite often, but it's something that could potentially ruin your day if you get it wrong.
“It appears that many motorists think the speed cameras on smart motorways are only in operation when the matrix signs on the gantries show a variable speed limit, say 50mph or 60mph.
“They are aware that they need to slow down when they see this, but wrongly believe that at other times they won’t get clocked breaking the speed limit, as long as they don’t encounter the police.
“This simply is not right. Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who’ve been caught out in such a manner.
“And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe.
“That’s as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course.”
M40 planned road closures today
If you’re heading out via the M4 today (September 28), you might wonder which motorway closures are in place.
All closures are scheduled for this evening.
There is a slip road closure on the M4 Eastbound at Junction 6 to allow for technology work to be completed from 9pm until 6am tomorrow.
Resurfacing work on the M4 Westbound (Junction 14 to Junction 15) will result in a carriageway closure at the same time.
On the M4 Eastbound (Junction 4B to M25 Clockwise and Anti-clockwise Junction 15), drivers can expect a slip road and lane closure while technology survey work is carried out.
This will be closed from 10pm until 5.30am.
The UK's road maintenance system
On the M4 Eastbound, Junction 19 to Junction 18, there will be a carriageway closure for resurfacing work.
A diversion via M32 Jct 1, A4174, A420 and A46 will be in place during the work from 9pm until 6am.
Drivers can also expect a Prince of Wales Bridge carriageway closure for structure work on the M4 Westbound, Junction 21 to 23.
There will be a diversion via the M48 Westbound.
National Highways England adds: "For M49 northbound traffic diversion via M4 eastbound to Jct 20, M5 southbound Jct 16 exit slip, M5 northbound, M4 westbound and M48."
You can see all planned motorway closures via the National Highways England website.
What speed actually triggers a camera?
Contrary to common belief, there’s no universal “10% + 2mph” rule baked into law.
Experts from BigWantsYourCar.com explained: “The idea that you’re safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear.
“Technically, you’re liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.”
While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) does recommend a “10% plus 2” margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case.
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RAC advice adds: “The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine.
“It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not.
“The best advice is to not speed full stop.”
Did you know about this speed camera myth? Let us know in the comments.
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