Help, opinions, warning - Speeding ticket

[Big Vinny K]

Take the punishment for breaking the law deliberately

Change your cruise control setting to comply with the legal speed limits

Really is that simple.

[aggi]

There probably is a little leeway because the speed dial in your car, generally speaking, isn't 100% accurate.
My mechanic friend reckons GPS (SatNav) is more accurate.

They aren't, but by design they can overestimate the speed, and usually do, but can't underestimate it. Modern cars, particularly EVs tend to be much more accurate than older cars.

[aggi]

I have received a speeding ticket for speeding on the M5 around Droitwich. Mobile speed camera.

The reason I write, is that my speed was captured as 79mph.

I cruise control atc78, so won't argue with 79, however, my understanding is that 10% + 2 and no action.

On a motorway, that is 79, hence my 78 cruise control.

They must capture 2/3 of motorists, on a motorway, if they are going that low.

All thoughts welcome!

You should definitely appeal this.

Start off by explaining that because the speed limit is 70mph you set your cruise control at 78mph. They're sure to see they've made a mistake.

[ollieclarets8]

Meow!!

[IanMcL]

"cruise control at c78, so won't argue with 79"

Weird. With cc set at 78, I would have expected your GPS speed to be 75 at most. Sure you were not within roadworks or variable speed limit etc?

Positive. Tesla as well

[IanMcL]

Why would you set your CC at 79, when the limits 70, and there are speed cameras on almost every gantry?.

I set mine at 78. That sort of speed is the general fast lane expectancy. Folk have been fined for doing 70 and obstructing traffic, in the fast lane.

[IanMcL]

Is there an official tolerance?
Technically, no — there’s no legal rule that says you’re allowed to go over the limit by a certain amount. The speed limit is the absolute maximum, and going even 1 mph over it is breaking the law.

However, most police forces follow guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), which recommends a buffer to account for speedometer inaccuracies and human error.

What’s the ‘10% + 2 mph’ rule?
This is the informal guideline most forces use. It means you might not be penalised unless you're doing:

35 mph in a 30 zone

46 mph in a 40 zone

57 mph in a 50 zone

68 mph in a 60 zone

79 mph in a 70 zone

So, for example, if you’re doing 34 in a 30 zone, you’ll probably be fine. But push it to 36 and you’re into ticket territory.

That said, this isn’t law — it’s discretion, and it varies slightly between police forces and camera types.

Does it apply to all speed cameras?
Not always. There are several types of speed cameras used in the UK — including:

Fixed speed cameras

Mobile speed cameras (in vans or roadside)

Average speed cameras

Red light/speed-on-green cameras

Most fixed and average speed cameras follow the NPCC’s 10% + 2 guideline. But mobile cameras? They’re known to be less forgiving — and they can catch you even a couple of mph over the limit.

Can I be fined for going 31 in a 30?
Yes — in theory. But in practice, that’s unlikely. Most forces won’t issue a fine unless you’re at least hitting that 10% + 2 threshold.

Still, that doesn't mean you're safe to treat the limit as a target you can push. Speed limits are set for a reason — and enforcement is ultimately up to each local force.

What happens if I do get caught?
If you’re caught just over the limit, you might be offered a speed awareness course (as long as you haven’t done one recently). Otherwise, you’ll typically get:

A £100 fine

Three penalty points on your licence

For more serious offences (i.e. way over the limit), you could face a higher fine, more points, or even a court appearance and a ban.

The takeaway
That “10% + 2” buffer? It’s a guideline, not a guarantee. You could still be fined for going over the limit — even slightly — especially if you’re unlucky or the camera doesn’t follow the standard rules.

So the best bet? Stick to the limit. Not just to avoid fines, but to keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe.

Thanks for that. It mirrors what I have now received from West Mercia Police. However. the new information learned from this is that 10% +'2 does not mean you can drive atc79 mph (or even 78 it seems!) as the 2nd mile is the one that incursca penalty. My previous understanding wascthatc10% + 2 = no fine. 10% + 3 = fine.

Now 10% + 2 = fine!

[IanMcL]

You should definitely appeal this.

Start off by explaining that because the speed limit is 70mph you set your cruise control at 78mph. They're sure to see they've made a mistake.

Ho ho ho

[Row x]

I set mine at 78. That sort of speed is the general fast lane expectancy. Folk have been fined for doing 70 and obstructing traffic, in the fast lane.

Fine, set it at that, just dont complain when you get done

I'd love for you to produce evidence that somebody has been fined for doing 70 in the third lane ( no such thing as a fast lane) because with 40 yrs legal experience I cannot think of a law they would be breaking, unless a vehicle on blue lights was behind them.

[IanMcL]

1) my brothers friend got clocked at 76 I think it was so the ACPO guidelines apparently don't need to be met

2) Use android auto/apple car play with google maps and it will show you where mobile speed cameras are

Thanks

[IanMcL]

I think the airing of this topic has probably enlightened some, inc me. Cheers all.

[Rick_Muller]

Fine, set it at that, just dont complain when you get done

I'd love for you to produce evidence that somebody has been fined for doing 70 in the third lane ( no such thing as a fast lane) because with 40 yrs legal experience I cannot think of a law they would be breaking, unless a vehicle on blue lights was behind them.

I cannot provide any evidence of any actual prosecutions (because I haven't looked) however it is classed as an offence as per https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/19 ... 1992-07-01 because it is deemed as careless driving

[Leisure]

Fine, set it at that, just dont complain when you get done

I'd love for you to produce evidence that somebody has been fined for doing 70 in the third lane ( no such thing as a fast lane) because with 40 yrs legal experience I cannot think of a law they would be breaking, unless a vehicle on blue lights was behind them.

Wonder if the 2 inside clears were clear, they could be cautioned for lane-hogging?

[Row x]

Wonder if the 2 inside clears were clear, they could be cautioned for lane-hogging?

Possibly, but it wouldn't be because they were only doing 70mph which is what I was thinking about, but probably worded my reply badly as the conversation was about speed.

[Row x]

I cannot provide any evidence of any actual prosecutions (because I haven't looked) however it is classed as an offence as per https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/19 ... 1992-07-01 because it is deemed as careless driving

The link doesn't work for me, sorry

[cblantfanclub]

Some time ago got clocked by the camera on Manchester Rd. just below St. Matthew St.. The notification said I was doing 33mph. It was in the early days of speed awareness and had to do a test drive in the afternoon with morning classroom session. Was turning right out of Clevelands Rd which is slightly blind to traffic coming up so had put my foot down to get across quickly - still bugs me I got done.

[AfloatinClaret]

...got clocked ...doing 33mph. Was turning right out of Clevelands Rd which is slightly blind to traffic coming up so had put my foot down to get across quickly...

Wow! 0 -33 mph in the width of one carriageway; OK, there is a hatched bit in the middle of there too, but that is still some spectacular acceleration rate.

[ollieclarets8]

When I first started driving I thought I'd been flashed 4 times on one part of a motorway down near Kent, on my way home.

Turns out it was the sun briefly coming out from behind a cloud and then immediately going back in!

[GetIntoEm]

I set mine at 78. That sort of speed is the general fast lane expectancy. Folk have been fined for doing 70 and obstructing traffic, in the fast lane.

Must be some sort of windup

[NottsClaret]

Must be some sort of windup

I have to say, that was my first thought. Setting your cruise control to 8mph above the speed limit, and then wondering why you have a speeding ticket. And no car driver has been fined for doing 70mph on a motorway, only for using the wrong lane consistently. That's not a speed issue.

[Ric_C]

No sympathy for anyone who can't obey the speed limit.

If only life was that simple

[vinrogue]

When I moved to Lincolnshire in the 1990's, I was driving through Lincoln along the dual carriageway when the light flashed me, how rude, must be a mistake, drove home to Sleaford and sure enough I got a speeding ticket for doing 40 in a 30, but I was on the dual carriageway. Went back to Lincoln to check and there are signs everywhere 30mph! My fault, my points, everyday a school day. 20+ years later I still swear at the speed camera if going that way and do 30mph.

[wadeswondergoal]

So are North Yorkshire. There are no fixed speed cameras in N Yorks, but they don't half love getting out in the vans.

I think the senior bloke in charge has a zero policy on speeding. Theres no leeway in N. Yorkshire

[wadeswondergoal]

I set mine at 78. That sort of speed is the general fast lane expectancy. Folk have been fined for doing 70 and obstructing traffic, in the fast lane.

This can’t be even remotely true.

[Tribesmen]

I have never been done for speeding , hey I have only been driving 20 years

[fidelcastro]

If only life was that simple

It's complicated in many ways but the speed limit isn't.

[Jakubclaret]

It's complicated in many ways but the speed limit isn't.

I know it’s almost as daft as believing wearing masks don’t help with people spreading COVID who’d have thought it eh.

[fidelcastro]

I know it’s almost as daft as believing wearing masks don’t help with people spreading COVID who’d have thought it eh.

Crawled out from under your rock, have you?

[Jakubclaret]

Crawled out from under your rock, have you?

Only for you my old cocksparrow, only for you.

[fidelcastro]

Only for you my old cocksparrow, only for you.

I'm flattered.

You do know that many 'experts' also claimed that mask wearing was a waste of time, right? Not just little old me.

Anyway, if you wouldn't hijack and ruin another thread like you usually do, I'm sure we'd all be grateful.

[Jakubclaret]

I'm flattered.

You do know that many 'experts' also claimed that mask wearing was a waste of time, right? Not just little old me.

Anyway, if you wouldn't hijack and ruin another thread like you usually do, I'm sure we'd all be grateful.

I'm only 3 posts in that's jumping the gun. A plethora of irrefutable evidence exists regarding masks backed up with convincing data I'm inclined to sway that way. I'll park it there before this fictional derailing does actually happen. Good evening.

[fidelcastro]

I'm only 3 posts in that's jumping the gun. A plethora of irrefutable evidence exists regarding masks backed up with convincing data I'm inclined to sway that way. I'll park it there before this fictional derailing does actually happen. Good evening.

I'll look out for you in that mask.

Good evening.

[dougcollins]

When I moved to Lincolnshire in the 1990's, I was driving through Lincoln along the dual carriageway when the light flashed me, how rude, must be a mistake, drove home to Sleaford and sure enough I got a speeding ticket for doing 40 in a 30, but I was on the dual carriageway. Went back to Lincoln to check and there are signs everywhere 30mph! My fault, my points, everyday a school day. 20+ years later I still swear at the speed camera if going that way and do 30mph.

I remember being on a three lane road going into Lincoln - going in (on a morning) it was two lanes, and one lane out - coming home, it was two lanes out, one lane in.

Do they still have that?

[Cardclaret]

I remember being on a three lane road going into Lincoln - going in (on a morning) it was two lanes, and one lane out - coming home, it was two lanes out, one lane in.

Do they still have that?

They have that driving into Cardiff centre as well, with overhead signs indicating which lane is for going into the centre and which one exiting. Confusing the first time but actually works quite well.Though wouldn't want to be in the centre lane when it changes direction and you suddenly find yourself driving against oncoming traffic.

[Row x]

I know it’s almost as daft as believing wearing masks don’t help with people spreading COVID who’d have thought it eh.

It's amazing how people can bring things up, totally irrelevant to the topic.

[dougcollins]

It's amazing how people can bring things up, totally irrelevant to the topic.

There's a toad in my kitchen.

[Row x]

There's a toad in my kitchen.

That doesn't surprise me

[dougcollins]

He looked happy, but I've removed him outside.

[Bosscat]

He looked happy, but I've removed him outside.

Was he Toad away

I'll get mi coat

[dougcollins]

They have that driving into Cardiff centre as well, with overhead signs indicating which lane is for going into the centre and which one exiting. Confusing the first time but actually works quite well.Though wouldn't want to be in the centre lane when it changes direction and you suddenly find yourself driving against oncoming traffic.

I did wonder how that works..

[dougcollins]

Was he Toad away

I'll get mi coat

Ouch.

I put him in the pond. Didn't like that, climbed straight out and frowned at me.

[Jakubclaret]

It's amazing how people can bring things up, totally irrelevant to the topic.

I know what you mean it's outrageously peculiar on this forum. Posters studiously adhere to the topics being discussed.

[Bosscat]

Ouch.

I put him in the pond. Didn't like that, climbed straight out and frowned at me.

Not had them in the house, but we have a few in the garden (along with the Frogs around the pond)

[The Quattro]

They have that driving into Cardiff centre as well, with overhead signs indicating which lane is for going into the centre and which one exiting. Confusing the first time but actually works quite well.Though wouldn't want to be in the centre lane when it changes direction and you suddenly find yourself driving against oncoming traffic.

I believe the centre lane is closed in both directions for a short while before reopening in the peak direction.

[dsr]

I set mine at 78. That sort of speed is the general fast lane expectancy. Folk have been fined for doing 70 and obstructing traffic, in the fast lane.

Now I'm worried. I was in the outside lane on the M65 today, overtaking a few wagons at 70 mph, and some berk behind wanted to come past. Should I expect a ticket?

[Damo]

Boxing day turd thick

[Bosscat]

Now I'm worried. I was in the outside lane on the M65 today, overtaking a few wagons at 70 mph, and some berk behind wanted to come past. Should I expect a ticket?

Maybe the car driver behind had his cruise control speed set at 79mph

[ollieclarets8]

Now I'm worried. I was in the outside lane on the M65 today, overtaking a few wagons at 70 mph, and some berk behind wanted to come past. Should I expect a ticket?

No, you drive at the same speed as the wagon on your left for as long as possible

[claret wizard]

I believe the centre lane is closed in both directions for a short while before reopening in the peak direction.

I think that's a much better option to turning the centre lane green for both directions.

[CoolClaret]

Thought this was a **** take tbh - I mean, if you're going to play margins like thta at least set it at just over, not 10% + 2!!! Jeez.