Traffic

What To Do If You Are Snapped By A Speed Camera

It may have happened completely unexpectedly. You are driving along, happily listening to music or a podcast, or maybe just lost in thought, when you suddenly see a flash in your rear-view mirror and you realise that you have been snapped by a speed camera. So what happens next? Let us explain.

How and when will I receive notice of a fine?

The police have 14 days to send the registered owner of the vehicle a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). This will set out the details of the alleged offence, which you should study carefully to check for incorrect details. No NIP within a fortnight equals no prosecution.

How much are speed camera fines?

There is a fixed penalty of up to £100 for most speed camera offences. However, if you have been caught driving more than 20 mph above the designated speed limit (for example 50 mph in a 30 mph zone), then you may be required to appear in Court. The Court has the jurisdiction to impose fines of up to £1,000 for offences on normal roads and up to £2,500 for speeding on a motorway.

Will I receive any penalty points?

If you are caught by a speed camera you will usually receive between three and six penalty points. You may be offered an opportunity to attend a Speed Awareness Course in lieu of penalty points.

Can I appeal a speed camera fine?

You can appeal a fixed penalty notice within 28 days of its issue, but be warned; if you are unsuccessful in your appeal, you may receive a steeper fine than the original penalty. It is advisable to seek professional legal advice before seeking to appeal.

The onus is on the police to prove that you were driving when the speed camera snapped your vehicle. This is one of the main reasons for a speed camera fine to be contested. If police cannot establish that you were the driver at the time, the speed camera offence may be dropped.