Driving experts have debunked a popular speed camera myth which could land motorists with fines and penalty points.
When it comes to speed cameras, it is best to always be on your best behaviour. However, since their creation, many drivers have conjured up countless tips and tricks to cheat the system without slowing down.
But drivers are being urged to ignore one myth in particular that could have dangerous consequences. As speed cameras are known to flash when capturing drivers, many think that if they don't see one, they haven't been caught.
But a tweet shared by the RAC highlighted that even if you don't see a flash, that doesn't mean you haven't been captured. It read: "Myth: If a speed camera doesn't flash, it means you've not been caught.
"Fact: "Older designs such as the Gatso camera system still use a visible flash, but many newer models use infrared light which is not visible to the naked eye.
"The simplest way to avoid being caught speeding is sticking to the speed limits."
According to the AA, Speed cameras record a vehicle’s speed by using detectors in the road or radar technology, depending on the type of camera.
The Gatso is a type of fixed speed camera which means that it records the speed at which your car passes at a particular spot. It was first launched in 1991 to ensure drivers stayed within legal speed limits.
But technology has since evolved and today there are four types of cameras on the road, including the Gatso, have been updated with infrared scanners that don't require flash.
Other types include the average speed camera - which records the speed that drivers are travelling at on different points over a length of road.
What happens after you've been caught by a speed camera?
According to AA, those who are by caught speeding cameras will have their car's number plate to get the registered address from the DVLA.
Within two weeks, a notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. It'll also include a request to provide driver details in case someone else was driving at the time.
If the car's owner wasn't driving then they must let the police know the name and address of the person who was. The minimum penalty for speeding starts at £100 and three penalty points, but can increase if you break the speed limit by a lot.
So, if you ever tempted to try and fool speed cameras, the best thing to do for you and others is to stick to the rules.
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