REALITY CHECK - SPEED CAMERAS
01 December 2006 - IAM Institute of Advanced Motorists

Driving Tip No. 47

There has been a lot written about speed cameras and the debate
continues to rage. For an individual driver, though, the reality is
that, like them or loath them, you are going to have to deal with them.

So any advanced driving tip on speed cameras should not focus on the
''why'' we have them but on the ''how'': ie, how to deal with them. We
should all aim to drive safely within the speed limits. Those speed
limits are not targets: they are limits. Speed camera violations mean
penalty points and a fine, plus of course the added disbenefit of the
possibility of a higher insurance premium next time when you have to
declare them.

So:

Watch out for drivers who brake without thinking when they see a speed
camera, regardless of what is behind them or how much they are below the
limit. Those give-away tyre marks on the tarmac show where this has
happened before - don''t be too close next time it happens to you;

Allow at least a two second gap between you and the vehicle in front on
roads carrying fast traffic - more in the wet;

Make sure you look for speed limit signs each time you join a new road.
Signs may not be obvious but are normally at the start of a section of
road. Look out also for smaller, ''repeater'' signs - you may then see a
camera ahead. Be aware though, that there are still roads that have the
camera warning sign but no speed limit repeater signs .

If there is no sign, or you are in doubt, 30mph is the norm on urban
roads. This can also be the case even if there are two lanes. Street
lights less than 200 yards apart usually mean a 30 mph limit for cars,
unless there are signs showing a higher limit.

Speed limits on some roads may appear at first to be unrealistic but are
there for a very good reason. Certain dual carriageways have a 50 or
even a 40 limit because of nearby houses and noise pollution.

Remember too that if you are driving a van over 2 tons maximum (loaded)
weight there are specific lower limits.

So know the speed limits and stick to them. Or pay the price.

www.iam.org.uk

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