Table of Contents
What’s Changed About Speed Cameras in the UK?
Where Are the New Speed Cameras Being Installed?
What Do UK Speed Cameras Detect?
What Happens If You’re Caught?
How Can This Affect Your Car Insurance?
What Can You Do to Stay Protected?
Speed camera technology is changing the way UK roads are monitored, and if you’re not up to speed, it could cost you. Whether you’re a daily commuter, delivery driver, or just want to stay safe and legal behind the wheel, understanding how speed cameras work is essential.
In this guide, we explain what’s changed in recent years, where these cameras are being introduced, what offences they cover, and how to prevent penalties that could affect your licence and your insurance.
What’s Changed About Speed Cameras in the UK?
Traditionally, UK speed cameras were either fixed (like Gatsos and Truvelos) or mobile units used by police forces. However, from 2023 onwards, new high-tech enforcement systems have begun rolling out across the country. These aren’t just designed to catch speeding: they can identify a range of driving offences, even in poor weather or at night.
Examples of systems in use:
- Acusensus ‘Heads-Up’ cameras: trialled in Devon and Cornwall in 2024, and now expanding across other regions. These can detect if a driver is using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt using AI and high-resolution imagery.
- VECTOR-SR cameras: a type of Home Office-approved camera that uses radar for speed enforcement and can identify when a vehicle crosses a white line, as well as recognise when a driver isn’t wearing or seatbelt or is using a mobile phone.
These newer systems are part of a broader government strategy to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads.
Where Are the New Speed Cameras Being Installed?
The rollout is ongoing and varies by region, but common installation points include:
- School zones and 20mph areas
- A-roads and motorways (e.g., M1, M6, A1)
- Urban centres with Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or congestion charges
- High-incident accident areas flagged by local councils
These areas are typically chosen due to a history of speeding or collisions and are often funded through road safety grants or local council safety initiatives.
For example, a historically dangerous road in Devon has received funding from a Department for Transport grant to implement the use of AI and speed cameras, in order to help improve the road’s safety.
What Do UK Speed Cameras Detect?
Unlike older cameras that focused purely on speed, these camera systems can now, as well as speeding, also detect:
- Mobile phone use while driving
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Dangerous driving behaviours (detecting unusual behaviour associated with, for example, drink driving)
Some cameras also work without flash and in low light, meaning enforcement continues around the clock, even in conditions where older systems may not operate.
What Happens If You’re Caught?
If a speed camera captures you committing an offence, you’ll typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) by post within 14 days. This includes:
- The alleged offence and date
- Potential penalties (e.g. fine and points)
- Instructions to pay, contest, or attend a court hearing
Common penalties include:
The table below gives a general overview of the penalties incurred for each offence. For more details, please click the corresponding links in the table:
| Offence | Points | Fine (approximate) |
| Speeding | 3+ | £100–£2,500+ |
| Using a mobile while driving | 6 | £200-£2,500 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | N/A | Up to £500 |
Repeat or severe offences (e.g. excessive speeding, driving while disqualified) can lead to disqualification or court proceedings.
How Can This Affect Your Car Insurance?
Receiving penalty points or fines can increase your insurance premium significantly. This is because insurers view these as indicators of higher risk.
Key considerations:
- You must declare any driving convictions when applying for or renewing a policy.
- Insurers can refuse claims or cancel cover if convictions are not disclosed.
- The more points, the higher the risk — often resulting in the potential for higher premiums.
What Can You Do to Stay Protected?
Here’s how you can stay on the right side of the law—and avoid insurance issues:
1. Stick to the speed limit
Use signs and in-car displays. Remember, urban areas may now have default 20mph limits under new local authority changes.
2. Put your phone away
Hands-free devices should not be used when the engine is running. Don’t touch your phone while driving.
3. Always wear your seatbelt
Cameras can detect even subtle infractions, like slinging a belt under your arm.
4. Don’t assume cameras are visible
Newer units may be grey, not yellow, or pole-mounted in areas without markings.
5. Check your licence
You can view your driving record via the DVLA to see points or convictions. To view or share your driving licence information, please click this link.
FAQs – New Speed Cameras UK
Q: Can these cameras catch you for more than one offence at once?
A: Yes. For example, using a phone while speeding could lead to multiple penalties. The same camera system can capture multiple offences in one event. For instance, simultaneous phone use and speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt, can result in separate penalty notices or points for each offence.
Q: Are these cameras legal and approved?
A: Yes. All enforcement cameras used in the UK must be approved to issue penalties.
Q: Are the new AI speed cameras clearly signposted or always visible?
A: Not always. Many newer smart camera systems, including trailer- or van‑based setups, are designed for discreet enforcement. Fixed and mobile units using AI (like Acusensus Heads‑Up systems) may be unpainted and lack advance signage.
Q: Can these cameras detect other offences like driving uninsured?
A: While the AI camera systems (e.g. Heads‑Up) primarily detect phone use and seatbelt offences, they can be deployed alongside ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems that cross-check vehicle records for insurance.
Key Takeaways
The UK’s road camera technology is evolving fast, and staying informed is your best defence. While it may feel like “big brother” is watching, the aim is to keep all road users safe, especially in high-risk areas.
By understanding how speed cameras work, and by adjusting your driving habits accordingly, you can protect your licence, prevent fines, and stay safe on the road.