Watch your speed!

More smart speed cameras go online

Permanent speed cameras have been introduced to smart motorways across the UK’s major road network – and motorists could now be handed fines at any time of the day or night, even if there isn’t a visible speed limit displayed overhead.

The cameras went live on the M1 and M25 on 10 January and are believed to be set at 72mph. An auto ticket generating system will issue you with a 6 point penalty for anything over that – any speed over 90mph is instant ban and could incur a possible court appearance and a custodial sentence order!!

Stretches of the M1 and M25 are just one of a number of many being converted into smart motorways alongside the M6, M3, M20 and M5. The roads use overhead gantries to control traffic flow by changing speed from the national speed limit down to 30mph if there’s traffic ahead.

Speed camera enforcement is a local police matter, so it’s thought that even stricter 70mph rules could be adopted by some forces.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “If no special speed limit is displayed then the national speed limit applies. A speed limit displayed inside a red circle is legally enforceable. If you don’t keep to this speed limit, you are breaking the law. Speed cameras are in operation on smart motorways. If you don’t keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine.”