Since the “yellow paint scheme” was introduced by the government in 2015, speed cameras in the UK should be painted yellow, although this rule isn’t a legal requirement, reports the RAC.

The motoring experts explained: “The yellow paint scheme was introduced in 2015 following a review by ministers, with the government saying it would improve speed camera visibility to ensure motorists were not unfairly penalised.

“Some speed cameras can still be difficult to spot, especially mobile units, but the yellow cameras are considered by many to be a significant improvement over the old, grey cameras.”

Speed cameras are often placed in “notoriously accident-prone areas”, in the hopes of having “the most significant impact on reducing speed-related injuries and deaths”.

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Can you see the flash of a speed camera?

Another way speed cameras make themselves known to drivers is by being activated by a flash if you have exceeded the speed limit on a road.

However, “not all speed cameras will flash when they take an image of your car and some speed cameras will track your vehicle over many miles to work out its average speed,” the RAC reported.

Additionally, Airport Parking and Hotels said: “A speed camera flash will typically be a bright flash of light, similar to that of a camera flash.

“However, not all speed cameras use a flash. Some cameras may use infrared technology to capture a vehicle’s speed without emitting a visible flash."

What can fail an MOT test?

Do you always get a speeding ticket if the camera flashes?

Airport Parking and Hotels commented: “Getting flashed by a speed camera doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a ticket.

“The time it takes to receive a ticket can vary depending on the location and the specific camera that caught your speed.

“Typically, you can expect to receive a ticket within a few weeks.”

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But there are a few other things that can happen after you’re flashed by a speed camera, including:

  • You may be offered a speed awareness course. This is a non-adversarial course that is designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding. If you complete the course, you won’t receive a speeding ticket.
  • You may be issued a speeding ticket. This will result in a fine and, depending on the severity of the offence, points on your driving record.
  • In the most serious circumstances, you may be sent to court. This could result in a fine, points on your license, or even a driving ban.

It’s important to note if you have been caught speeding by a speed camera, you should always follow instructions from the police.