Many motorists across Wales will have come across a well-known myth about speed cameras while out on the roads. Plenty of drivers choose to stick strictly to the speed limit or go below it, while others appear to believe they have some leeway. It is common to hear road users cite the so-called "10% +2" rule to justify travelling slightly over the limit. However, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that the rule is not a myth and is indeed used by police forces. Yet, it is crucial to understand that this is not a legal right, and even exceeding the speed limit by just one mph can result in a fine.
What is a speed camera tolerance?
It refers to the small buffer above the legal speed limit that some cameras permit before triggering a penalty. Many police forces apply the guideline of 10% + 2 mph. This means that in a 30 mph zone, you could be travelling at up to 35 mph before facing penalties. However, this is purely guidance, and you can still be penalised.
The Met Police explained: "The Met observes the current NPCC guidelines which states that enforcement action should commence as soon as a speed that is at +10% +2mph. This is normally the minimum speed at which enforcement is undertaken in all speed limits."
The minimum speed at which a speed camera is operated may be varied at any time, but there are no plans to use a threshold that is not contained in the current guidance. NPCC guidance also states that whilst tolerances exist, they do not and cannot replace police officers' discretion.
Forces operating under the same rule
According to the Met Police, the threshold remains consistent across all safety cameras. A number of other forces operate under the same rule, including Avon & Somerset Constabulary, West Mercia Police, Thames Valley Police, Gwent Police, Kent Police, South Wales Police, Suffolk Constabulary, North Wales Police, Police Scotland, Humberside Police and Essex Police.
Why do speed tolerances exist?
Confused.com explained: "Speed camera tolerances exist to improve driver safety. One of the reasons is that drivers have their eyes on the road instead of their speedometer. They also exist because there are variations in speedometers and the speed cameras themselves."
While tolerances do exist, this does not give motorists the green light to drive at this level. Regardless of the threshold, drivers should always follow the speed limit and not go beyond it.
What happens if I drive over the speed limit?
In the UK, the minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Should you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years, you could face disqualification from driving. You may be offered the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course if you plead guilty to your fixed penalty notice. This would mean avoiding both the fine and the addition of points to your licence. If you plead not guilty to the fixed penalty notice, the matter will proceed to court. Should the court find you guilty, you could face a steeper fine and additional penalty points.
