How Fast Can You Drive Through Speed Cameras Without Getting Caught?

A new investigation has revealed the different speed camera tolerances used by police forces across the UK.

Whilst it is a well known fact that speed cameras won’t flash you for driving just one mile over the limit, there are many urban myths as to what the actual threshold is, and there were wild rumours at the start of the year that motorway speed cameras had been set with no tolerance.

Following a Freedom of Information request to 45 different UK police forces, Auto Express has found the speed camera tolerances for forces in different parts of the country.

The majority of police forces stick to the guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers which suggests that cameras should only activate when a driver is breaking the speed limit by 10 per cent plus 2mph.

This ruling allows for a top speed of 79mph on motorways and 35mph in 30mph zones and in applies to both fixed and average speed cameras. There are a couple of police forces who allow for extra leniancy, with the Metropolitan Police and Lancashire Police using 1o per cent plus 3mph. There were some forces who refused to divulge the information claiming that it would encourage speeding.

Speed camera thresholds across the UK

Speaking about the findings, AA President Edmund King said: “Auto Express's testing is a valid reminder to drivers not to gamble on their speedo perhaps providing some leeway.”