Oxford News
Do speed cameras give you 10% leeway? Rules explained
Despite numerous myths, including the widely believed “10% plus 2mph” rule, experts have clarified that there is no legal margin for exceeding speed limits.
Drivers can be fined for travelling just 1mph over the posted limit.
Experts from BigWantsYourCar.com said: “The idea that you’re safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear.
“Technically, you’re liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.”
Speeding can result in a £100 fine and points on your licence, with more severe offences leading to higher penalties or court action.
While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) does recommend a “10% plus 2” allowance for officer discretion, this is not part of UK law and can vary between enforcement areas.
Guidance from the RAC states: “The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine.
“It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not.
“The best advice is to not speed full stop.”
How do speed cameras work?
Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle’s speed and capture evidence of any offence.
While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles.
These digital systems record:
- Vehicle speed
- Time and location of the offence
- Vehicle registration
- Road speed limit
In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger.
Common speed camera myths
Here are some other common speed camera myths :
Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?
No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don’t often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right.
Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: “Legally, we don’t have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to – but it’s all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away.”
Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?
If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty”.
However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: “It doesn’t bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van – I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”
What happens if I am caught speeding?
It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK’s roads is a £100 fine.
But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course – an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: “An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.
“Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the ‘notices’ and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit.”
So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don’t have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
Caroline, whose surname has not been released, was last seen on Shilton Road in Burford, West Oxfordshire, at about 2am on Wednesday, August 5.
More than 60 hours later, police are still searching for the 66-year-old woman and are trying to establish where she was last seen, and helicopters from the National Police Air Service have been assisting in searching the area.
READ MORE: M40 closed with two hour delays due to ‘serious’ crash
Thames Valley Police released a new image on Friday, August 8, a CCTV footage still believed to show Caroline on Oxford Road, opposite Burford Road, at about 5.27am on the morning of her disappearance.
A statement released along with the image said: “We understand the quality of the image is poor, but we are sharing it because we are doing everything we can to establish Caroline’s movements and locate her safely.
“We hope that someone may recognise her, remember seeing her, or have information that could help our enquiries.
“We continue to ask residents in Burford and the surrounding areas, as well as any motorists who travelled through this area at around 5.30am, to check any CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or other footage they may have.
“Even the smallest detail could prove vital to our enquiries.
READ MORE: PC Harper’s mother visits site of son’s death amid backlash
“We would like to thank everyone who has shared our appeals and contacted us with information so far.
“The support from the local community has been invaluable, and we continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen Caroline, or who recalls anything unusual during those early morning hours, to come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference number 43260403808, and anyone who sees the missing woman is asked to call 999.
Lizzie Waterworth has voiced the title character in the children’s TV series for 13 years, appearing across all 250 episodes broadcast between 2006 and 2019.
The BAFTA-nominated voice actor was shortlisted for Best Performer at the British Academy Children’s Awards in 2019 for her work as Henry.
She also played Nitty Nora, the school nurse, in the 2011 live-action film Horrid Henry: The Movie.
READ MORE: TV icon daughter’s £3.95m swimming pool mansion in Oxfordshire unsold
Away from the mischievous animated schoolboy, Ms Waterworth’s credits include Alphablocks, Bob the Builder, The Backyardigans, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps, Franklin, Clifford’s Puppy Days and the stop-motion film Strike.
Now, the Oxford Mail can exclusively announce that Ms Waterworth is coming to the county’s very own comic-con on Sunday, September 7.
Abbey-Con is held by Rob Turner and Trooper Events annually at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon.
A statement from the convention’s organisers said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Lizzie Waterworth is joining us at Abbey-Con!
“You may know Lizzie as the voice of Horrid Henry (a role that earned her a BAFTA nomination!), but that’s just the beginning!
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson’s girlfriend reveals his ‘true colours’ amid ‘misconceptions’
“She’s also brought to life beloved characters in Alphablocks, Bob the Builder, Isadora Moon, and even Cutie the Elephant in the award-winning video game It Takes Two.
“With an incredible career spanning animation, television and gaming, Lizzie has been entertaining families for years.
“But her work doesn’t stop behind the microphone! She’s passionate about helping young people build confidence through public speaking and works with schools, businesses and Milton Keynes University Hospital to support children during hospital visits.
“Whether you’re a lifelong Horrid Henry fan, grew up watching her characters, or just love meeting the talented people behind your favourite shows and games, this is your chance to meet Lizzie in person!
“At Abbey-Con in The White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre.”
The 62-year-old actor, best known for playing Alfie Moon, is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9 on a charge of drink-driving.
Police said the arrest followed reports of a suspected drink-driver in the Church Langley Way area of Harlow shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday, July 29.
Officers attended the scene and arrested a man, and a charge of drink-driving was later authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey.
READ MORE: Emotional Mary Berry, 91, admits she’ll be ‘in heaven’ as she opens up
Now, The Sun’s sources on EastEnders have claimed that some cast members are becoming frustrated by what they see as preferential treatment for certain stars.
Shane Richie has reportedly been given time away from the soap later this year to take on a pantomime role said to be worth six figures.
However, other actors — who are claimed to earn less for their work on the BBC programme — have allegedly had comparable requests turned down.
A Walford insider said: “Nothing will happen [to Shane]. Nothing ever does to the favourites.
“Jessie [Wallace] and Shane are both given time off to effectively double their salaries while others aren’t allowed unless it works for the show.
READ MORE: Richard Hammond to make first public appearance after police hunt
“They say it’s down to the story but when it’s the same people allowed time off time and time again then it seems like it’s not about the story and more about keeping a select few happy.”
Mr Richie first came to prominence after working as a Pontins bluecoat and stand‑up comedian before moving into television game shows and sketch comedy.
He joined EastEnders in 2002, with his character Alfie Moon quickly becoming one of the BBC soap’s most popular figures.
His on‑off partnership with Kat Slater is regarded as one of soap’s best‑known double acts and has seen him appear in more than a thousand episodes.
Away from Albert Square, Mr Richie has fronted prime‑time TV shows, appeared in major stage musicals and pursued a parallel career as a recording artist.
READ MORE: Clarkson, May, and Hammond coming back to film new Grand Tour episode
He also has strong links to Oxford’s theatre scene, having performed at the New Theatre in 2006 in a production of Scrooge.
More recently, he appeared in the city in 2025 as part of the Prat Pack, bringing a mix of music and comedy to local audiences.
The show teams him with fellow entertainers Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale, who bill themselves as a tongue‑in‑cheek take on the classic Rat Pack.
Their 2025 tour stopped at the New Theatre Oxford on George Street for a one‑night date on 22 May, mixing big‑band standards, comedy and stories from their decades in showbusiness.
The New Theatre was one of a string of venues on the national run, giving city audiences a chance to see Mr Richie perform live alongside his long‑time friends.
-
Business & Technology3 weeks agoHSBC UK & Visa test AI shopping with live payments
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoMouser warns against viral hacks to cool overheating phones
-
Business & Technology3 weeks agoValarian lands USD $50 million backing for sovereign AI
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoDWP now checking bank accounts for Universal Credit and Pension Credit
-
Oxford Events4 weeks agoHenley Festival 2026 highlights: Five nights of unforgettable performances and festival moments
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoOde launches free AI voice service for poem recommendations
-
Oxford united FC3 weeks agoOxford United three players who be kept after transfer ban
-
Oxford united FC4 weeks agoAaron Ramsey’s Oxford United hit with transfer ban until January