The UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, which could be partly due to the speed restrictions that are enforced throughout the country with the intention of encouraging safer and more responsible driving.

There are three main methods that UK speed cameras use to detect a speeding motorist. The first method, used by Gatso and mobile cameras, is to send a Laser or Radar beam at the passing vehicle. The beam is then returned back to the speed camera equipment, providing an exact speed.

The second method, used by Truvelo and DS2, is to use loops in the road, if the passing vehicle drives too fast over the loops, the speed camera is triggered. The third method is used by SPECS and is an average speed-measuring speed camera system, manufactured by the Speed Check Services Limited, from which it takes its name (Speed Check Services). SPECS cameras operate as sets of two or more cameras installed along a fixed route that can be from 200 metres to 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) in length. They work by using an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system to record a vehicle's front number plate at each fixed camera site. As the distance is known between these sites, the average speed can be calculated by dividing this by the time taken to travel between two points. The cameras use infrared photography, allowing them to operate both during the day and at night.

Accident statistics for all permanent SPECS schemes show a significant reduction in the number of collisions and injuries. Driver recognition is very high, which has resulted in improved behaviour and compliance with the speed limit wherever it is installed. The result is a safer road, high compliance and low violation levels. In all SPECS schemes that are at least two years old, the killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualty figures drop by at least 50%.

Spot speed cameras often cause 'surfing' or sudden braking at the camera, followed by an increase in speed directly after the camera. This results in a wide distribution of speeds and erratic driver behaviour through the monitored area, promoting flow breakdown and congestion. In contrast to this, average speed enforcement leads to only small speed variations which create a smooth flow and safer, more consistent driver behaviour. SPECS can be used on virtually any public road, from a 20mph urban street to a high speed, multi-lane motorway.

Despite the speed limits being clearly stated throughout the UK, some drivers are still not adhering to them. As well as the serious risk of being involved in an accident, speeding can also cause costly damage to cars. You are much more likely to experience a chipped windscreen when driving at high speeds and if ignored, a small chip could lead to costly replacement windscreen prices.

Peter Rose writes for a digital marketing agency.  This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency.  This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.