How average speed cameras on M1 smart motorway work - and how to avoid a £2,500 fine
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Smart motorways have more cameras and variable speed limits than a typical motorway - meaning motorists have a much higher chance of getting caught and fined for speeding.
To make matters worse, many drivers do not realise how the cameras on smart motorways work.
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Hide AdThey usually enforce variable speed limits, but even when they’re not in place, the cameras can still catch you speeding.
Highways England said: "If no special speed limit is displayed then the national speed limit applies.
"If you don’t keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine."
New categorised speeding sentencing structures could see drivers who offend being fined up to £2,500.
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Hide AdMotorists who speed will be put into one of three categories: Band A, band B and band C.
Band A speeders will receive three points and fined 50% of their weekly income.
Band B could receive four to six points, a week to 28 days disqualified from driving, and fined 100% of their weekly income.
If you are unlucky enough to be placed in Band C, you could be given six points, banned from driving from a week to 56 days, and fined 150% of your weekly income.
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Hide AdSpeeding is not the only thing to keep your eye on - ignoring the ‘red X’ sign displayed above the lanes is extremely dangerous.
Camera enforcement for closed lanes was introduced in July 2019, and drivers face an automatic £100 fine and three penalty points for doing so.