Speeding cameras have become a ubiquitous feature of modern roads, and for good reason. They help to enforce speed limits, reduce accidents, and save lives. However, for drivers who are caught speeding by these cameras, the consequences can be severe. In this article, we will explore the question of whether you get points for a speeding camera offence, and what other penalties you might face.
How Speeding Cameras Work
Before we dive into the penalties for speeding camera offences, it’s worth understanding how these cameras work. There are several types of speeding cameras, including:
Gatso Cameras
Gatso cameras are the most common type of speeding camera in the UK. They use a radar gun to measure the speed of approaching vehicles, and a camera to capture an image of the vehicle’s number plate. Gatso cameras are typically mounted on the side of the road or on a gantry above the road.
Truvelo Cameras
Truvelo cameras use a similar technology to Gatso cameras, but they are typically mounted on the back of a van or other vehicle. This allows them to be moved around and used in different locations.
SpeedSpike Cameras
SpeedSpike cameras use a different technology to measure speed. They consist of a series of strips embedded in the road, which use radar to measure the speed of approaching vehicles. SpeedSpike cameras are typically used in areas where there are high levels of traffic.
Penalties for Speeding Camera Offences
If you are caught speeding by a camera, you will typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) through the post. This will inform you of the alleged offence and give you the opportunity to respond. If you accept the offence, you will be offered a fixed penalty notice, which will include a fine and penalty points.
Fixed Penalty Notice
A fixed penalty notice is a fine of £100, plus three penalty points on your driving licence. You will also have to pay a victim surcharge, which is currently £30. If you accept the fixed penalty notice, you will not have to go to court.
Penalty Points
Penalty points are used to track drivers who have committed motoring offences. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, you may be disqualified from driving. The number of penalty points you receive for a speeding camera offence will depend on the severity of the offence.
| Speed Limit | Speed | Penalty Points |
|---|---|---|
| 20-30mph | 21-30mph | 3 |
| 20-30mph | 31-40mph | 4-6 |
| 20-30mph | 41mph+ | 6 |
What to Do If You Receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution
If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution, you should respond promptly. You have 28 days to respond, and you should use this time to consider your options.
Accept the Offence
If you accept the offence, you will be offered a fixed penalty notice. This is the simplest way to deal with the offence, but it may not be the best option if you are not guilty.
Request a Court Hearing
If you do not accept the offence, you can request a court hearing. This will give you the opportunity to plead not guilty and present your case to a magistrate.
Seek Professional Advice
If you are unsure about what to do, you should seek professional advice. A solicitor who specialises in motoring law can help you to understand your options and make the best decision.
Conclusion
Speeding cameras are an important tool for enforcing speed limits and reducing accidents. However, for drivers who are caught speeding by these cameras, the consequences can be severe. If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution, you should respond promptly and consider your options carefully. Remember, penalty points can add up quickly, and a driving ban can have serious consequences for your daily life.
What happens if I am caught speeding by a speed camera?
If you are caught speeding by a speed camera, you will typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) through the post. This notice will inform you that you have been caught speeding and will provide details of the alleged offence, including the date, time, location, and speed at which you were travelling. You will also be required to provide the identity of the driver at the time of the offence.
The NIP will usually be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle, who is responsible for providing the required information. If you were not the driver at the time of the offence, you will need to provide the details of the person who was driving. Failure to respond to the NIP can result in further action being taken, including a court summons.
Do I get points for a speeding camera offence?
Yes, if you are caught speeding by a speed camera, you will typically receive penalty points on your driving licence. The number of points you receive will depend on the severity of the offence and the speed at which you were travelling. For minor speeding offences, you may receive 3 penalty points, while more serious offences can result in 6 penalty points.
The points will be endorsed on your driving licence and will remain there for a period of 4 years from the date of the offence. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you may be at risk of being disqualified from driving. However, in some cases, you may be able to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points.
How many points do I get for speeding?
The number of points you receive for speeding will depend on the severity of the offence and the speed at which you were travelling. For minor speeding offences, you may receive 3 penalty points, while more serious offences can result in 6 penalty points. The following is a general guide to the number of points you may receive for speeding:
- 3 penalty points for speeding up to 10mph over the limit
- 4-6 penalty points for speeding 11-20mph over the limit
- 6 penalty points for speeding 21mph or more over the limit
However, the actual number of points you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of the offence and the discretion of the court.
Can I appeal a speeding camera offence?
Yes, you can appeal a speeding camera offence, but the grounds for appeal are limited. You can appeal if you believe that the speed camera was faulty or that the speed limit was not clearly signed. You can also appeal if you believe that you were not the driver at the time of the offence or if you have a valid reason for speeding, such as a medical emergency.
To appeal a speeding camera offence, you will need to write to the court and provide evidence to support your case. You may also need to attend a court hearing to present your case. However, if your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be required to pay additional costs and penalties.
What is the fine for a speeding camera offence?
The fine for a speeding camera offence will depend on the severity of the offence and the speed at which you were travelling. For minor speeding offences, the fine is typically £100, while more serious offences can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The fine will also depend on your income and any previous convictions.
In addition to the fine, you will also receive penalty points on your driving licence, which can increase your car insurance premiums. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you may be at risk of being disqualified from driving.
Can I attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points?
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points. This is typically offered for minor speeding offences, where you were travelling at a speed of up to 10mph over the limit. The course is designed to educate you about the dangers of speeding and to help you develop safer driving habits.
To be eligible for a speed awareness course, you will typically need to meet certain criteria, such as not having attended a course in the past 3 years. You will also need to pay a fee for the course, which is typically around £100. If you complete the course, you will not receive penalty points on your driving licence.