Driving advice
Summer speeding
Explore the legal ways you can drive a family or friend's car
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 07/07/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 07/07/2026
You’ve packed the car and are all set for your big summer staycation. But one thing you may not have factored in is just how many speed cameras will be on the UK’s roads - wherever you’re going.
Although we’re sure you stick to the speed limit, it’s important to know where the enforcement hotspots are. We’ll also explain what the fines and penalties could look like if you do make a mistake.
According to the latest government statistics:
This is backed up by RAC research stating 8 in 10 drivers say they regularly see people ‘excessively speeding’ on all types of roads. This would hint that speeding is a common issue on UK roads.
In the summer, there will naturally be more traffic with the summer holidays and people driving to their destinations. Routes near popular attractions may build up, meaning drivers may be more eager to make up for lost time when the roads are clear.
Of course, roadworks still have to carry on, whatever the weather, and there may be temporary speed cameras near them.
According to The AA, you can separate the different UK speed cameras into four separate categories:
Speed Cameras UK confirmed there are 17 different types of speed and safety camera on UK roads - with 4,291 locations confirmed in their database*.
| Speed camera type | No. listed on Speed Cameras UK database | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gatso | 2,054 | A familiar sight on UK roads since the 1990s, the Gatso speed camera is bright yellow and will flash when its radar detects a speeding vehicle. It’s usually rear-facing (capturing the back of the vehicle) and most commonly used to detect 30mph speed limit offences. |
| Truvelo | 309 | A forward-facing speed camera that can capture the driver’s face in addition to the number plate. This camera has an infra-red flash and uses piezo sensors embedded in the road to measure speed. |
| SPECS | 113 | This average speed camera covers zones ranging from under half a mile to 99 miles. A silent operator that records number plate, date and time at each camera - braking at each one will make no difference if you speed between them. |
| VECTOR | 88 | This average speed camera measures the speed between two points and uses ANPR number plate recognition to detect speeding drivers. |
| HADECS 3 | 42 | A fixed-point camera that uses dual radar technology to capture drivers. It automatically adjusts to real-time variable speed limits and is mainly used to enforce the 70mph limit. |
| SpeedCurb | 76 | Most commonly deployed on urban roads, with over a third of Speed Camera UK’s database found in Greater London. The tallest roadside speed camera on UK roads, they take three photographs (two wide-angle and one close-up of the number plate). |
| Truvelo D-Cam | 60 | Uses piezo and laser sensors to monitor up to three lanes simultaneously. Over half are found in Norfolk and they can face either direction. Can also enforce red light offences. |
| Speedspike | 6 | Also known as the 3M Average Speed Camera System, this works over distances as short as 100m - making it suitable for school zones. Can be linked in a network of up to 1,000 cameras. |
| Mobile | 1,314 | The second largest camera type in Speed Camera UK’s database, mobile cameras can be deployed anywhere on the road network. The mobile van must be clearly visible and the laser gun can produce a reading in just 0.5 seconds. |
| Variable Speed | 14 | Overhead gantry cameras situated on smart motorways, which enforce the speed limit that is currently being displayed. |
| Traffic Light Camera | 182 | Forward-facing cameras that capture the driver’s face and number plate. They can capture both red light and speeding offences - both at the same time could result in a £200 fine and 6 penalty points. |
| Peek | 23 | One of the rarest camera types in operation, the radar-operated Peek speed cameras are found in built-up urban areas. |
| Redflex | 1 | Uses dual radar technology for accuracy across multiple lanes. Can capture multiple offending vehicles at the same time. |
| DS2 | N/A - mobile | A semi-permanent option that covers two lanes travelling in opposite directions. |
| Watchman | 2 | A rear-facing camera that measures speed as the vehicle approaches. |
| SafeZone | 4 | Compact and silent, this speed camera system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to measure speed between two or more camera points. |
| AECOM | N/A - AI-powered mobile van | AI-powered technology can detect three different offences: speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a handheld device. All potential offences must be verified by at least two humans. |
As reported in Fleet News in May, 2026, the following areas are home to the most speed cameras:
While Bradford’s 84 speed cameras seems low compared to the 671 in London, the Yorkshire city has an average of 2.18 per square mile. The nation’s capital only has 1.93 per square mile.
A police officer or speed camera could catch you speeding. While the police can give you a verbal warning there and then and send you a fixed penalty notice (FPN), you’ll get a letter through the post if captured by a speed camera.
If you are caught driving over the speed limit, you could face the following speeding penalties:
If you’re still within 2 years of passing your driving test, you will lose your licence if you build up 6 or more penalty points.
For minor speeding offences, you may be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course, which will teach you about road safety and help you avoid making the same mistakes again.
A Which? Report from November, 2025 states that average car insurance premiums are 23% higher for drivers with a speeding conviction.
This is because insurers - whether you’re buying annual or temporary car insurance - use your driving history to assess how much of a risky driver you are. This can be reflected in higher premiums and larger excesses.
You should always declare any speeding convictions. Failing to do so could invalidate your insurance.
Whether you’re driving your own car or borrowing another vehicle to get where you need to go, it’s important to take your time over the summer months. Attempt to relax, no matter how intense the traffic can be and try breathing exercises or putting on your favourite song or podcast.
Remember, traffic situations are often out of your control and you’ll still get to your destination. Don’t start or finish your staycation in a stress. Driving safely and sensibly will keep everyone on your side.
If you need a bigger vehicle to get around, remember to take out temporary insurance. Comprehensive as standard and available from 1 hour to 28 days, it’s flexible to all your needs this summer.
*Data correct as of 1 July, 2026
https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/speed-camera-types.htm
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/speed-cameras
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/average-speed-cameras-how-do-they-work
https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/areas-with-the-most-speed-cameras-revealed
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/excessive-speeding-now-commonplace-on-uk-roads/
If you're caught speeding, you'll usually get a fixed penalty notice of £100 and 3 points on your licence. For more serious offences, the case can go to court, where fines rise based on your income and how far over the limit you were. You might also face a driving ban, depending on the severity.
Most speeding offences carry 3 penalty points, though this can rise depending on how far over the limit you were and the type of road. Build up 12 or more points within 3 years and you risk a driving ban. New drivers will have their licence revoked if they get 6 points within their first 2 years of driving.
A speeding conviction stays on your licence for four years from the date of the offence, even if you've paid the fine and taken any points. It'll show up on your licence record during that time, which insurers can see when you apply for cover.
A fixed speed camera, like a Gatso or Truvelo, captures your speed at a single point on the road. An average speed camera, such as SPECS, uses two or more cameras to track your average speed over a longer stretch, so slowing down for just one camera won't help.
If you're offered a speed awareness course, completing it usually means you avoid points and a fine, though you'll pay a course fee instead. It's typically only offered for minor, first-time offences, and you can't take one again within three years.
Having points on your licence can affect the cost of temporary car insurance, but it won't usually stop you getting cover. You'll need to declare any convictions honestly, as insurers use this to work out your premium and keep your policy valid.
Police guidance recommends mobile speed camera vans are reasonably visible and that speed limits are clearly signed, but enforcement can still happen with little warning. Don't assume you're safe from a mobile camera just because you can't see one straight away.
The fine and points for speeding are the same for new and experienced drivers. However, if you're within two years of passing your test and build up 6 or more points, you'll lose your licence and need to reapply as a learner.
London has the highest number of speed cameras in the UK, with 671 recorded, though Bradford has more cameras per square mile. Areas with heavy traffic, roadworks, or a history of accidents tend to have the densest camera coverage.
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