Safe Speed Forums

Hi I have been driving for 6 months and I had an incident with a speed camera today!

First of all, being a new driver and someone who is still scared of roads, I usually drive under the speed limit. I am very careful and watch my spedo like a hawk! I drive home everyday along a road that goes from 40 to 30mph and then has a gatso camera immediately after. Unlike a lot people I am already driving at 30 by the time the speed limit changes and then I drive through the camera at 25!

Today, however I had slowed down to 30mph but then I had to overtake a cyclist. Cyclists really scare me as I'm always terrified I'm going to hit them and I always panic as I pass them. As I passed I accelerated to make sure I was well past him before moving back into my lane and I glanced over my shoulder to check I was clear of him. When I looked back I was approaching the 1st road marker of the speed camera and noticed I was doing around 35mph - I panicked (again) and slammed on the brakes (which I know is dangerous but I didn't know what else to do!). I think I was doing 30 or less for the majority if the markers at the camera but I know I crossed the line at 35. I didn't notice a flash but I havn't stopped worrying all day!

Is there any chance I won't get a ticket?

Thanks!

I think there’s no chance actually.

An indicated 35 mph will be something less, say 32 or 33 so you are already in the 'grace area'.

Add to this that you slowed down I think I can say you have nothing to worry about if your account is accurate mate.

One of many reasons why speed cameras are dangerous. You are not the first to do that and certainly won't be the last.

Best wishes

Tony

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Thank you, that's good to hear!

yep, reading what newdriver has just said fills me with awe. We are introducing newly qualified drivers onto our roads who are so scared of exceeeding a speed limit, for even a few moments, to the point that they are a danger to themselves and every one around them ( not intended as a dig at you at all, Newdriver26), but this is EXACTLY why this country is slipping down the scale of safe countries in Europe. People are now afraid to overtake, either at all or more importantly, SAFELY, if they think they may exceed a stupidly low set limit (in a lot of cases) when doing so.

if anyone wants an answer to why this country is slipping in the road safety stakes...this is it.

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My views do not represent Safespeed but those of a driver who has driven for 39 yrs, in all conditions, at all times of the day & night on every type of road and covered well over a million miles, so knows a bit about what makes for safety on the road,what is really dangerous and needs to be observed when driving and quite frankly, the speedo is way down on my list of things to observe to negotiate Britain's roads safely, but I don't expect some fool who sits behind a desk all day to appreciate that.

Seconded Grabs Absobloodylutely!

He's just starting out on the roads having digested a HC the size of War and Peace and could pass a test tomorrow, one which I know I couldn't pass, and he has to deal with all this

You're going to be a great, considerate driver newdriver; I can feel it in my water And thanks for giving the cyclist room over and above what a dumb camera does not/can not assess but is so ready to label you bad and sting you in your pocket.

Luv Tone


(BTW I use 'Luv' as a term of endearment, I'm not gay or anything)

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Thank you both I feel better now - and I'm a girl haha

AH! I should have said 'guy' cuz that covers both genders.

Well don't worry girl. I'm sure you are doing fine and have nothing to worry about. Have you considered a 'P' plate?

Don't beat up on me It's just that from what you describe about yourself so far, it might give a message out there which could cut you some slack.

Uncle Tone

Hmmm.. newdriver26. Could the 26 be your age? The same as my only daughter


(I bet she does facebook )

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Gents ,we all forgot the important thing - newdriver26 ,so I'll say it three times .
Speedos aren't anything like accurate -they're meant to over read ( but not allowed to under read) ,hence Tone's remark on 35 being possibly 33/32 .( Possibly over read up to 10% , but don't gamble yer licence on it) ,so 35 could be as low as 31.5 ,and Guidelines ( which are exactly that, not tablets set in stone ) mean no prosecution till 10%+2mph = 37 mph(true) .If you want to see how accurate yer speedo is ,borrow a sat nav and compare it to that .

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on

newdriver26

From what you describe unless you saw a flash (you're description implies a Gatso type camera - shoots you after you pass by) you are unlikely to have missed it, you are OK. Any NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) needs to arrive with the Registered Keeper within 14 days ... (6mths for large Corporations).
Other aspects of your driving concerns me somewhat ... I wonder if we can help ?


You're confidence will come, we have all been there to greater and lesser extents.
I had thought that most 'learner drivers' were taught to drive 'at' the limit - was that not what you were taught ?
Watching the road ahead and assessing the 'conditions' tells you about what you might need to react to or plan to avoid and deal with. Speedo watching obviously ensures that you are within the Law but try to learn what 30 /40 'feels' like and gradually an occasionally glance will tell you that you are within normal parameters.


Why did you 'feel' that you had to ?
Why not just wait ... ? Hang back and insure that you know all about the road ahead, plan your overtake in a calm and well judged manner, then execute the manoeuvre when you are only 100% sure ? That will include all aspects of the road ahead including the camera, driveways all possible hazards that might present too. Check the behind situation and judge carefully but confidently. Sometimes a cyclist can be give a good 3 ft of room pass by efficiently without it being a 'full overtake' ( you mentioned moving back into your lane) ...


Trying to understand how to deal with every 'hazard' on the road will help you feel more confident, keeping calm and in control will help with this, and this is gained through knowledge and skills and your growing abilities, and in time your experiences.

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

I feel that I am quite confident in my own driving and my nevrves come more from the crazy drivers on the road! When I say I drive under the limit I mean under and including 30 mph. I have people to see and places to go so I don't drive around at 25 or anything. But I'm more likey to drive at 29 than 31. I avoid speeding as i am new and don't want to lose my licence after all my hard work!
As for overtaking the cyclist it is a road that I know very well and usually I have no problems with it. The road was quiet and I had more than enough room. There is no doubt in my mind that I overtook the cyclist safely. I simply worry about cyclists as I know two friends who have been hit by cars while cycling. However, to not overtake would have been silly and would eventually have held up traffic- it made sense to do it.
This was a one off problem that had only arisen as I had accelerated more than. Had realised as I was overtaking. So far I have had no real issues with my driving and I am confident that I drive safely. Was just annoyed that the one time I exceed the limit was at the speed camera! Typical!