Did your correspondent really get caught driving at 54mph in a 50mph limit?

I find it hard to believe that your correspondent ES was caught doing 54mph in a 50mph zone, as the leeway guidelines are 10 per cent plus 2mph, i.e. 57mph. I have been driving past a 50mph speed camera on the M9 for the last 12 years with my cruise control set to 57mph - satnav 54mph (yes, the camera does work). We also now have a 2-mile 40mph limit whilst the second Forth Crossing is being built which is enforced by average speed cameras. Here again, cruise control set at 47mph doesn't seem to worry them. Incidentally, I have been pinched, in Norwich, and took a speed awareness course in Carlisle.

Asked on 6 February 2012 by AB, Edinburgh

Answered by Honest John

That's why I expressed my surprise. But if the ticket said 54 in a 50, that's what it was. ACPO guidelines are noting more than guidelines. They are not legal. You can still get done for 51 in a 50. And a number of other readers have reported receiving penalty notices for just over the limit.

Tags: speeding speed limits

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