One speeding myth could see drivers hit with £2,500 fine and points on their licence

Motorists have been issued with a warning that following a persistent speeding myth during the festive period could spoil their Christmas celebrations. An expert has highlighted that a significant number of drivers are under the impression that smart motorway cameras only operate when variable speed limits are displayed, however, this is a misconception. In reality, these cameras are calibrated to catch drivers exceeding the standard 70mph limit on smart motorways, putting unsuspecting road users at risk of facing serious fines.

Speeding offences carry the potential of incurring fines as steep as GBP2,500 along with the accumulation of penalty points on a driver's licence. Select Car Leasing spokesperson Graham Conway has spoken out about this common but erroneous belief among drivers, emphasising the unpleasant surprise they face when caught. He pointed out: "We hear this quite often, but it's something that could potentially ruin your Christmas if you get it wrong."

Furthermore, he clarified the false sense of security drivers may have, stating: "It appears that many motorists think the speed cameras on smart motorways are only in operation when the matrix signs on the gantries show a variable speed limit, say 50mph or 60mph." "They are aware that they need to slow down when they see this, but wrongly believe that at other times they won't get clocked breaking the speed limit, as long as they don't encounter the police.", reports the Express[3]. Conway concludes, drawing attention to the plethora of discussions and personal accounts on online motoring forums where drivers confess to being caught unexpectedly due to this misconception: "This simply is not right.

Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who've been caught out in such a manner." "And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe. That's as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course."

"WeBuyAnyCar previously warned that speed cameras fitted on smart motorways 'constantly monitor motorists'." They added that officials "may issue fines to anyone caught speeding" or found to be unfairly driving in closed lanes on the route. "This simply is not right. Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who've been caught out in such a manner."

"And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe. That's as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course." "WeBuyAnyCar previously warned that speed cameras fitted on smart motorways 'constantly monitor motorists'."

They added that officials "may issue fines to anyone caught speeding" or found to be unfairly driving in closed lanes on the route.

References

1. ^ Two more royals to skip Sandringham Christmas in shakeup due to 'scandal' (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Coronation Street's Helen Worth's life off soap from famous ex to huge net worth (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
3. ^ the Express (www.express.co.uk)