“It Was Just a Few Miles Over…”
You know the story. You’re late, the motorway’s clear, and your foot gets a little heavy. A gentle 40 in a 30. Harmless, right? Then two weeks later, a white envelope lands on the doormat with that dreaded phrase: Notice of Intended Prosecution. Suddenly, your morning coffee tastes bitter and your pulse races faster than your speedometer ever did. One moment of impatience, one hidden camera - and just like that, £100 gone and three shiny new points on your licence.
I once had a friend who called speeding fines “subscription payments for going slightly too fast.” He’s since learned that joke stops being funny when your insurance renewal hits the inbox.
The Speed Trap Nation
Britain loves a speed camera. Over 6,000 of them keep quiet watch across our roads, from sleepy village lanes to the M25’s grey monotony. They’re like the nation’s nosy neighbours , always watching, never sleeping, and occasionally dressed in bright yellow. Introduced in the early ‘90s to cut road deaths, they’ve since become both lifesavers and money-makers. Councils and police forces collect tens of millions in fines each year. And whilst we all know “speed kills,” what really kills your budget is the creeping cost of points, premiums, and penalties that follow.
What Those Points Really Mean
Three points might not seem like a big deal , until you realise insurers see them like red flags at a bullring. A minor speeding offence (say, doing 36 in a 30) adds at least three points and a £100 fine. But the real sting comes later: your insurance premium can jump 10%, sometimes 20%, depending on your insurer. Rack up more than six points in two years (for new drivers) and you’re back to square one , licence revoked. For seasoned motorists, 12 points can mean a ban lasting months. You’ll have plenty of time to reflect… whilst waiting for the bus in the rain.
The Psychology of the Pedal
Speeding isn’t always about recklessness. It’s about distraction, complacency - or just British impatience. You know the type: someone tailgating through a 50 zone muttering, “It’s only temporary.” Or the late-night motorway driver who thinks speed limits are mere suggestions after midnight. We convince ourselves it’s fine because “everyone does it.” Until everyone doesn’t ; because you’re the one who got caught on camera. It’s not rebellion; it’s routine ; and that’s the dangerous bit. The moment speeding feels normal is the moment your wallet (and licence) start trembling.
Human Stories Behind the Numbers
There’s Lisa, a commuter from Manchester, who clocked 34 in a 30 and ended up on a speed awareness course. “I wasn’t angry at the fine,” she said. “I was angry at myself for being lazy , I just didn’t check the sign.” Or Tom, a 27-year-old delivery driver, who racked up nine points in six months and lost his job. “It was all small stuff,” he said. “But it added up. I didn’t think it mattered.” That’s the thing ; it’s rarely the thrill-seekers who get hit hardest. It’s the everyday drivers who make small mistakes that snowball into big bills.
When the Fines Don’t Stop at the Fine
Speeding fines might feel like a slap on the wrist, but they can cost you for years. Insurers keep speeding points on record for at least four years, sometimes longer. And if you’re caught doing 20mph over the limit, expect not just higher premiums but possible court appearances, larger fines, and even disqualification. Oh, and let’s not forget the £90 you’ll pay for that mandatory speed awareness course , though, in fairness, it’s cheaper than losing your licence. The real insult? Those cameras never run out of film. They never blink, never miss a shift, and definitely never cut you slack for “just being in a rush.”
Why We Keep Getting Caught
Because we think we’re better than we are. We assume our reactions, our cars, our judgement make us “safe speeders.” It’s a kind of driver’s ego ; we overestimate control and underestimate luck. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s pure habit. We know exactly where the local cameras are ; but forget about the new average-speed ones on the bypass. Or that sneaky mobile van parked just beyond the hedgerow. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s just persistence ; the system’s relentless, and it’s not taking breaks for lunch.
How to Avoid Paying the Price
- Use cruise control: Especially in average-speed zones. It’s your best friend on long motorway slogs.
- Keep an eye on changing limits: Temporary or variable limits can catch you out faster than you can say “roadworks.”
- Watch the van spots: Mobile units love bridges, slip roads, and laybys near speed changes.
- Stay calm: Running late? Better a few minutes behind than £100 down and three points up.
- Think long-term: The short thrill of overtaking that slow driver disappears. The fine doesn’t.
Speeding is a tax on impatience. The slower you go, the richer you stay - at least when it comes to your insurance.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s the truth , speed cameras don’t just raise money; they save lives. Road deaths have dropped dramatically since their introduction, and as much as we grumble, the stats don’t lie. But it’s also fair to say that the financial penalties hit harder than ever. Modern cars are quieter, smoother, sneakier. 40 feels like 30, and by the time you notice, the camera already has your number (literally). In the end, the battle isn’t just with speed , it’s with self-control, routine, and that tiny voice saying, “Go on, it’s fine.” It never is.
Final Word
Collecting speeding fines and licence points isn’t just bad luck , it’s a slow, expensive way to learn patience. The points fade eventually, but the habit needs to go with them. So next time you feel tempted to “just nip through” before the lights change or push the pedal a bit too hard on that empty stretch, remember - your car doesn’t pay the fine. You do. And if that’s not motivation enough, picture yourself explaining a £100 penalty to your nan over Sunday lunch. She’ll be less forgiving than the police.