The UK has over 7,000 speed cameras dotted around on our roads, but are they always on?
These cameras are found on various roads with designated speed limits, including those with limits of 20mph, 30mph, 40mph, 50mph, and national speed limit zones like motorways.
Typically, we would always assume that if we passed a speed camera, it was on. But this is not always the case.
British people may be divided, grumpy and rude to one another in day to day life, but spot a mobile speed camera van, and suddenly we all pull together and have each others backs.
— Jodie (@jodie_rhianon) March 14, 2025
Humanity is an absolute hoot.
😂
Are average speed cameras always on?
According to Arnold Clark: "It is normally safe to assume that, if you see an average speed camera, it is on and it can see you.
"There is only one exception to this rule. If average speed cameras have been set up for some roadworks, there may be a few days after the roadworks are finished where the cameras are still set up.
"In this very unique situation (or any other reason for the cameras not to be working), there will be 'Average cameras not in use' signs informing you that the cameras are not working. Beyond this, yes, the cameras are always on."
'Ultra speed camera' can see inside driver's vehicles
The Jenoptik VECTOR-SR is the latest in speed camera tech. It can catch drivers speeding on either side of the road, and see inside cars.
This means it can catch drivers who aren't wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving.
The cameras don't flash either, so it might be difficult for motorists to tell if they've been caught.
Louise Thomas, a motor insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Ultra speed cameras are a big advance in comparison to the standard speed camera which many drivers are used to.
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"Not only will these cameras be able to detect drivers speeding on either side of the road, but they're also able to see inside driver's vehicles too.
"That's as it uses technology to see if drivers are wearing their seatbelt or if they're breaking driving laws, such as using their mobile phone or other handheld devices.
“Some drivers might be concerned about these new cameras being an invasion of their privacy, but their purpose is to keep all road users safe.
