Twelve UK police forces have confirmed they operate speed camera enforcement at the 10 per cent plus 2mph threshold, in line with National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) guidance. The forces include the Metropolitan Police, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, West Mercia Police, Thames Valley Police, Gwent Police, Kent Police, South Wales Police, Suffolk Constabulary, North Wales Police, Police Scotland, Humberside Police and Essex Police.
NPCC guidance on speed enforcement thresholds
NPCC guidelines state that enforcement action should commence as soon as a vehicle is travelling at a speed that is at +10% +2mph. This is normally the minimum speed at which enforcement is undertaken in all speed limits. The minimum speed at which a speed camera is operated may be varied at any time, but there are no plans to use a threshold that is not contained in the current guidance.
NPCC guidance also states that whilst tolerances exist, they do not and cannot replace police officers' discretion. On its website, the Met Police confirms it uses the rule.
Complete list of forces applying the rule
The full list of forces using the 10 per cent plus 2mph threshold is as follows:
- Metropolitan Police
- Avon and Somerset Constabulary
- West Mercia Police
- Thames Valley Police
- Gwent Police
- Kent Police
- South Wales Police
- Suffolk Constabulary
- North Wales Police
- Police Scotland
- Humberside Police
- Essex Police
Legal advice from Road Law Barristers
Road Law Barristers commented: "Whilst it is obviously advisable to stick to the speed limit, if you are caught speeding it is not the end of the world." The firm highlighted a case from March in which they represented Mr C at Leeds Magistrates Court. He had been caught travelling at 56mph in a 30mph zone and faced the prospect of at least 56 days disqualification, according to sentencing guidelines.
However, having heard persuasive submissions from his Road Law Barrister, and having received evidence in support of these submissions, the Magistrates decided that 6 penalty points would be an appropriate sentence in this case. Mr C therefore left court with his licence and livelihood intact. The firm advises anyone caught speeding or arrested for any other driving offence to contact them for a free consultation.
