County Durham drivers warned over seven speed camera myths

As part of a safety campaign, policing groups have been keen to share messages on speeding and several things that people might not know about speed cameras. 

This comes after Durham Police clarified about a 'myth' on the roads that sees it become illegal to flash your lights to warn drivers that their is a speed camera near. 

After taking to social media, Durham Armed and Road Policing team have highlighted that they had been seeing a few posts that said “Drivers are being warned they may face fines for flashing their headlights at other drivers.”

A speed camera van (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

While no rule currently exists, for flashing headlights, it is contrary to the Highway Code rule 110, and could form part of an offence of driving without due care and attention.

Depending on the motivation for the headlight flashing, the specialist policing team have said that the action can land a motorist in trouble with the law.

They then quoted the law, which is: "A motorist flashing another driver to warn of a speed trap ahead is a breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1996 – Obstructing a constable in the execution of his/her duty.

"First prosecuted in Betts v Stevens, 1910. Yes, 113 years ago."

Despite the clarity of their post - some commenting on the road policing page were left a little confused, with one person saying: "How could you prove that an individual is flashing to warn motorists of a camera ahead?"

However, the police weren't in any mood for a conversation about the post, responding to a select few comments with "The law is the law".

This post from Durham Police reminded us about seven other speed camera myths, which policing groups have helped to clarify, which are: 

Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?

No. There are no laws about visibility, so there is nothing stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right.

Is it true that the 10% rule exists?

Yes. You will not get a ticket provided your speed does not exceed the limit by more than 10%. So for example, travelling at 35mph or above in a 30mph zone will be recorded as a speeding offence.

However, thresholds vary and can change without notice. Officially, any speeding offence occurs at 1mph above the limit, but most forces will allow a variance.

Are officers revenue collectors for the Government?

No. Policing groups have said: "We're not here to get figures or to make money. We're just here to catch the people who are speeding.

Do officers enforce anything other than speeding?

Yes. Officers are there to make sure you are wearing a seatbelt and are not using your mobile phones behind the wheel. Anyone caught breaking these laws will be prosecuted.

Is it illegal to eat behind the wheel?

No, it's not. However, if you get distracted while snacking behind the wheel, the police could prosecute you for careless driving. Policing groups say: "It is endorsable. I had one lady in view once and she was looking in the mirror and putting lipstick on.

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Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?

If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty".

However, while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove.

What happens if I am caught speeding?

It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were in excess of the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine.

But police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points.

Anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.