Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

No driver sets off wanting a speed ticket.

However, with so many speed cameras around, it’s easy to accidentally get flashed if you’re not closely watching your speed.

Knowing how average speed cameras work and what they look like can help you avoid fines and drive safely.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about speed cameras in the UK.

Average speed cameras have systems that track how long a car travels between two set points on a road.

Two cameras at each point (at least 200m apart) calculate your speed. The first camera records your 

 and the second registers how quickly you got from point A to B, which calculates your average speed.

So, at an average speed of 80 mph, it would take approximately 5.59 seconds to travel the 200 meters between the two cameras.

In other words, speeding up before the camera and then slowing down as you approach it won’t help, as your overall average speed will still exceed the limit.

Average speed cameras vs normal speed cameras

As explained above, average speed cameras monitor your speed over a set distance, 

calculating your average speed between two points. 

In contrast, normal speed cameras capture your 

Generally, average speed cameras are harder to avoid, promoting consistent speed limits and 

Average speed cameras are distinctively yellow and mounted on yellow poles. They also have the same shape as CCTV cameras.

These cameras are typically positioned at the side of the road, and are taller than normal fixed speed cameras.

Average speed cameras are used on lots of roads, including dual carriageways, motorways, urban areas, and A roads.

Temporary average speed cameras can also be

 installed at roadworks with reduced speed limits, which will always be 

Average speed camera locations are marked by signs featuring an old-fashioned camera, also used for mobile speed checks and normal cameras. 

What are the average speed camera limits?

You can technically be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by just one mph. However, this is very unlikely.

There are rumours about speed camera tolerances. It’s true that some cameras allow leeway for car speedometer inaccuracies.

In reality, the amount of tolerance varies depending on the police force operating the camera.

Some police forces in the UK allow a tolerance of 10% + 2mph, meaning you’re safe up to 79mph in a 70mph zone. 

Remember this is not law, so sticking to the speed limit is the safest bet.

How can I avoid getting caught by average speed cameras?

There’s only one answer to this — and it’s by 

What happens if I’m caught by an average speed camera?

The penalty for being caught by an average-speed camera is the same as normal cameras: 

a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

The fine also increased based on how much over the limit you were speeding.

In some cases, speeding can result in up to six points and possible disqualification, with fines reaching £1,000 or £2,500 for motorway offences.

If you’re caught, a speeding ticket usually arrives within 14 days, starting with a 

 to confirm the driver, followed by the official ticket detailing the punishment.

There are plenty of myths and legends about average speed cameras.

Don’t fall for fakes! Here are the facts you need to know:

Can an average speed camera catch you on your phone?

No. While police are creating cameras that catch speeding and phones, these are normal units—not average speed cameras.

No. Average speed cameras don’t flash like normal fixed cameras. This is because they use infrared light rather than a photo to record your speed.

More or less yes, average speed cameras are always turned on. The only time you’ll know one is off is if it has a sign saying ‘camera not in use.’

Do average speed cameras take photos of you?

No, average speed cameras don’t take photos of drivers. If you get caught, you instead have to fill out a form and declare who was driving at the time.

What do average speed camera signs look like?

Average speed camera signs have the standard camera picture, but they’ll also say ‘average speed check’ on the bottom.

Average speed cameras might seem like a nuisance, but it’s critical to remember that they're there for your road safety. Stick to the speed limit, and you’ll be just fine!

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?

For over a decade, self-charging hybrids were the only hybrids vehicles on the market, and they’re still extremely popular today. The first mass-produced hybrid was released in 1997, so automakers have had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.

But now, over 25 years later, what are the best self-charging hybrids on sale?

Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTi Hybrid - £30,505

The Toyota hybrid system hasn’t changed in principle since the first Prius in 1997, it was an incredibly efficient and reliable system then and it still is in the modern Toyota and Lexus products. The current 

 also uses this system, alongside practical hatchback packaging. 

Starting at £30,505 the new Corolla is great value, considering the bulletproof reliability baked in. Its pretty well equipped too, with even the base Icon spec having a 12” touchscreen and 16” alloy wheels fitted. 

The new generation of Honda designs is a nice balance between modernity and retaining the model's character. The new 

 is a great example of this, with its LED lights and more angular panel design.

Under the bodywork is a great car, too, it features Honda’s excellent 1.5 hybrid powertrain, allowing the new Jazz to hit nearly 63MPG on a motorway run. At £26,885 the fact you get adaptive cruise control, Garmin-powered navigation and Honda’s smart safety sensing system is a very nice addition to the package.

Considering it's the cheapest car on this list by a good margin, the 

 full hybrid packs a decent punch, with typically chic styling and a considerable amount of tech. The base model; the evolution, comes with 145hp, cruise control and a 7” Android auto infotainment system. 

If you want any colour other than white, expect to pay around £750 extra, the same is true for the various styling packs usually seen on the press cars and TV adverts. Renault claims nearly 70mpg from the 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid drivetrain.

Here’s a tip for any Corolla Touring Sports admirers: the 

 is the same car, just with different badges and trim pieces. You get all the reliability and durability of the Toyota - not that Suzuki doesn’t make reliable cars anyway! - at a lower cost. 

From my research, the base model Swace (Motion) is roughly equivalent to the second-tier Corolla Touring Sports (Design), but be sure to check the spec thoroughly at your local dealership before committing.

A mainstay in the estate market, the current 

 continues to combine style and German engineering with its 220hp hybrid-electric powertrain. Fuel economy isn’t one of its main selling points, with Mercedes claiming just over 52mpg; poultry in comparison to the Swace’s 64 mpg. 

Where they differ though is the fit and finish of the interior, like most Mercedes the C-Class is excellently furnished, with brushed metal and leather aplenty. The C200 uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a hybrid system, paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Not strictly an estate, but not quite a crossover or SUV, the new Citroen C5 X is in a category of its own somewhat. Whilst it doesn’t retain all the benefits of an out-and-out wagon, it is a good compromise. 

Whilst the powertrain is called a mild hybrid, the C5 X can do a very short distance (0.6 miles) on electric-only power, which according to Citroen would account for 50% of travelled distance when driving through a city. It’s a relatively handsome vehicle, with bulky-looking overhangs and angular-yet-curvy lines. 

Decidedly more boxy than the old car, the new 

 has a fresh look, inline with the rest of Hyundai’s range it uses angular shapes with blacked-out accents all over. The colour range is limited to earthy tones of orange, grey and black, personally I think the design would suit a vibrant blue or burnt orange better!

The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 petrol hybrid system, that Hyundai claims to achieve 41 mpg. Interior tech is aplenty with powered tailgate, lane following and more all included in the base model.

Sister company to Toyota, Lexus has access to all the same great hybrid tech found in the Prius and others, 

 makes full use of this, available in both plug in and self charging hybrid. 

The latter can achieve 50 mpg from its 2.5 litre engine and motor combo, which is pretty good for a petrol SUV, especially with all the leather and tech packed in. The NX starts at £44,445, a pretty good price considering it’s competing with the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3.

As a medium sized SUV the Niro 1.6 Hybrid is perfect for those not needing 7 seats or a huge boot. The 1.6 powertrain is well proven after being used across the Kia range for a while, if that’s not enough Kia offer a 7 year warranty to back it up.

Inside the Niro sports a novel 2 spoke steering wheel and a very German-esque dashboard, with an angular glass panel reminiscent of certain Audi interiors. Base spec comes with 140hp and the biggest load capacity of the three powertrain options, those being hybrid, 

If you want a more economical car, but without the hassle of charging an electric car or plug in EV, a self charging hybrid is perfect. They have enabled a new generation of low-emissions larger cars such as 

, that would traditionally have used diesel engines.

Self-charging or “full” hybrids used to be the norm, the first hybrid, the Toyota Prius was a self-charging hybrid. They use the car's petrol engine, alongside regenerative braking to keep the battery topped up.

What is the downside to a self-charging hybrid?

Unlike plug-in hybrids, most self-charging hybrids cannot run on electric power alone, meaning you can’t use them for short journeys as an EV.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

9 Best Self-charging Hybrid Cars

In the last few years there have been so many new car manufacturers arriving on the UK market it’s hard to keep up, the majority of these new brands are Chinese-owned EV companies.

Now Chinese EVs are proving to be quirky cars at a very affordable price, but which ones are the best?

Since 2007 SIAC Motors in China has owned the MG brand, formerly known for classic British sports cars. 

They now offer a range of hybrid and fully electric vehicles, ranging from small city cars to SUVs. The 

 is the latter, being a medium-sized electric SUV.

Starting at £30,495 the ZS is good value, coming equipped with adaptive cruise control, the ability to pre-warm the car through the relevant app, and active city braking. 

Inside, the SE model features fabric seats and a 10” touchscreen display.

Unless you’re interested in Formula-E, Nio is not likely to be a name you’re familiar with, but the premium Chinese EV brand is set to launch in early 2025. 

 is said to be in competition with the Mercedes EQC, BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan.

When you look at the spec sheet it’s clear they’re not playing around. With over 400hp, 7.1 surround sound and all the safety features you could dream of, many built with the premise of self-driving in mind.

BYD has had vehicles on UK roads since 2013, in the form of electric and diesel-electric buses. 

 is their first SUV, at nearly £38,000 it sits somewhere in the middle of the market, with various premium features potentially giving it an edge over the MG ZS.

With 260 miles of range, it’s slightly worse than the MG, and is considerably worse than one of its mainstream competitors, the Kia EV6, which has a claimed range of 360 miles. 

 is a quirky compact city car, capable of 193 miles on a single charge, whilst its size may suggest an affordable EV, it is actually aimed at the luxury end of the market, to compete with the likes of the Volvo EX30.

Styling on the 03 is a tricky one, to me it looks like a classic Porsche from the front, a Vauxhall Adam from the side, and a Nissan Leaf from the back.

This isn’t inherently a bad thing, it certainly gives a quirky look. Equipment is plentiful with sat nav from a large infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, 360 cameras and a facial recognition system for unlocking.

Until the BYD Seagull is released in 2025, the 

 is the company's smallest car. Whilst the exterior isn’t much to look at, especially compared to the Ora 03, the interior is actually quite nice, with high-quality leatherette and sleek curves to the dashboard.

At £26,195 it’s a good bit cheaper than the Ora too, despite that it still packs 200hp and a decent trim level, especially when compared to European or even Japanese-made cars.

 is more of a mid-size hatchback than a small city car, the price puts it in-line with this category, especially when considering the amount of tech and features it has. 

Available in 4 trim levels, from “SE” up to “Trophy Extended Range”, even the most basic model has MG pilot - a lane keeping, adaptive cruise type system -, and a 10” touchscreen and will do 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. 

With new vehicles coming to market constantly, there are quite a few scheduled to be released in 2025, including some exciting electric sports cars.

Hailed as being the first all-electric sports car sold in the UK (when it releases at least!), the MG Cyberster is both a homage to the British brands' sports cars of old and a tie-in to the newest tech on the market, that is typical of Chinese-made EVs.

With the top-of-the-line model expected to have 4-wheel drive and just over 500 horsepower, it should be a load of fun, whether the nearly 2-tonne curb weight will hamper that is something different. 

The Cyberster will also feature the very supercar-esque “scissor doors”, it is certainly one of the most exciting EVs to look out for in 2025.

As the first Chinese brand electric pickup truck to come to the UK, the 

 will be eagerly awaited by those looking for a 

 friendly pickup with all the features found on other Chinese EV brands.

With a payload of 1,000kg and a combined range of 205 miles, it should be a good companion to those needing to transport tools or materials reasonably short distances.

Although with 2-wheel drive only it won't be the best option for those needing to cross rough terrain.

The MIFA 7 could well be a good alternative to the Mercedes EQV, or the Volkswagen ID Buzz, being considerably cheaper than the Merc and about the same as the VW, the extra features are where the Maxus shines.

Its combined range is just under 400 miles, which is much better than the EQV and the ID Buzz.

It also comes with Nappa leather captains chairs, adaptive cruise control and the usual touchscreen infotainment systems. The MIFA 9 is expected to be available in the UK from early 2025.

On the whole, the reports have been very good for most of the recently launched Chinese EVs. with BYD topping the list for reliability.

With each manufacturer offering a different selection, from MG with its sporty Cyberster, and Maxus prioritising MPV and commercial vehicles, there’s no one stand-out marque just yet.

Whilst there have been some well-discussed quality issues with Tesla, their recent models have seen better quality control. That said, for the cost and features you get, the Chinese brands do tend to offer more value for money.

Top 10 Chinese Electric Cars on Sale in the UK

The cost of living crisis has prompted nearly half of consumers to reconsider the way they approach vehicle maintenance and servicing.

Forty-eight per cent of the 4,269 car owners polled for the forthcoming Bumper Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25 said they have adjusted their habits due to increased financial pressures.

The majority (90%) plan to keep their cars longer, reflecting a shift towards more cost-conscious decision-making.

Over half (51%) said they were exploring independent garages for more affordable servicing, while more than a third (38%) are choosing not to authorise advisory repairs, prioritising essential over non-urgent work. 

A significant minority (15%) reported skipping vehicle servicing because of costs. 

“The findings reveal a largely proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. However, the cost of living crisis has prompted shifts in consumer behaviour, with a significant portion of car owners looking for more affordable options, delaying non-essential repairs and using financial assistance to spread their servicing costs,” said James Jackson, Co-Founder and CEO of Bumper.

“Trust, cost and quality remain central to consumer decision-making, benefitting dealers nimble enough to adapt their aftersales propositions to the changing needs of their customers,” said Jackson.

The full Bumper UK Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25 will be published shortly.

Cost of living crisis prompts nearly half of consumers to reconsider how they get their cars serviced

There are a few important things to keep on top of when owning or driving a car. Ensuring your car is MOT’d, taxed and insured is something every driver should know how to do.

With modern technology, there’s no excuse either, all you need is an internet connection and your car's registration number. The service for checking your road tax expiry also offers useful information about your MOT status, too.

Thankfully the gov.uk website has a quick and easy service for checking car tax, anyone can use it to check any car registration:

Why You Need to Check If Your Car is Taxed

Having car tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to use its official name, is a legal requirement to drive on UK roads. 

The punishment for not taxing your car depends on how and when you are caught, but it can range from a £100 fine, to criminal convictions and vehicle seizure.

A different service must be used to check if your car is insured: the 

 database. To check if your car is insured, follow these steps:

Having a car insurance policy is a legal requirement to drive on public roads in the UK. You must have a minimum of third-party cover. This ensures that if you are involved in a collision, the other party will be able to claim against your insurance company for their losses.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence, and comes with a range of punishments starting at a £300 fine and 6 penalty points.

 is an annual test of roadworthiness, carried out by qualified personnel at an approved MOT station. To check how long your MOT is valid, follow the steps below:

You can also view previous MOTs using this service, including any minor or major defects and advisories. 

Having a valid MOT certificate is required to tax a vehicle, and driving without either is a serious offence. The MOT checks all the safety aspects of your car, including tyres, suspension and more. 

You should be aware of when your MOT is due to expire in advance, as you can book at test up to 30 days early, this allows you time to fix any faults.

How to Avoid Fines, Penalty Points or Vehicle Seizure when Driving

It may seem like a lot, but there are only really a few things to remember:

If you do these 4 things, and maintain a good standard of driving, there is no reason to worry about fines or penalty points!

If you find yourself forgetting about your car’s MOT or insurance renewal until the last minute, here are a few tips on how to remember for the future:

If your MOT is due soon, consider using Bumper’s 

, this allows you to spread the cost of MOT work with interest-free payments.

Is My Car Taxed & Insured: How To Check

One of the biggest changes announced in the Autumn budget is to the tax status of electric vehicles, coming into force in April 2025, the start of the new tax year. Electric cars will pay significantly more in some cases.

In this article, we’ll cover exactly what electric car owners will be expected to pay, and how it's changing.

Announced in late 2024, significant changes to the vehicle excise duty (road tax) will come into force in April 2025, the most impacted will be owners of electric vehicles.

First Year Road Tax (VED) for New Electric Vehicles

Currently, electric vehicles are exempt from a first-year VED charge, in April 2025 that will change; any vehicle registered after April 1 will incur a £10 first-year VED.

Whilst this ‘first year’ rate has risen for EVs, it is still agreeable compared to many petrol and diesel vehicles that will be taxed according to their emissions level, with some costing many hundreds of pounds for the first year.

Second Year Onward Road Tax (VED) for New Electric Vehicles

This is where the biggest change has come, whereas electric cars were exempt from VED before, after April 1st 2025, they will pay the same £195 as petrol and diesel cars. This also applies to all-electric cars registered from 1st April 2017.

What Will the Budget Mean for Existing EV Drivers?

Regardless of the age of your car, you will now pay some kind of road tax/VED, how much exactly depends on the year of first registration. The thresholds are usually the 1st of April, as this is when budget announcements often come into force, as it’s the start of the tax year.

EVs Registered Between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017

From 1st April 2025, any electric car registered before March 2017 

Currently (prior to April 2025) electric cars of this age do not pay any VED.

Electric Cars First Registered After 1st April 2017

Electric cars registered after 1st April 2017 will now pay £195 per year in VED. This includes any EVs including those registered after 1st April 2025.

This is probably the biggest shift in the taxation of electric cars, as those who bought them in part to benefit from the free road tax, at any point in the last 8 years, will now pay the same road tax as a higher-polluting diesel vehicle!

Expensive Car Supplement and Electric Cars

Also known as the Luxury Car Tax, this is an additional VED amount of £410 per year, that is payable on the first 5 years the vehicle is taxed. It only applies to cars with a sale price of over £40,000. This applies to both EVs and petrol/diesel vehicles.

Does the Luxury Car Tax Apply to Older Electric Cars?

No, the expensive car supplement will only apply to EVs that are registered on or after the 1st April 2025. Any car that is registered before that date will not pay any extra tax, even if its sale price is above £40,000.

April Tax Changes Affect on Older Electric Cars

Many of the changes, including the luxury car tax on EVs, only apply to cars registered after April 2025, but one of the biggest changes will come to those currently enjoying tax-free motoring in an older electric car. 

By my calculations, using rough sales estimates year by year, there are nearly 2 million EVs on the road that were registered after April 2017, all of these will now pay £195 per year in tax, alongside their diesel and petrol counterparts.

Considering this may well have been the reason why so many adopted EVs, and the fact that pre-2017 cars, both diesel, petrol and electric will attract much lower taxes, this could well reduce the demand for newer EVs.

Are Electric Cars still Cheaper to Tax than Petrol and Diesels?

It depends on the age of the vehicle, but especially when buying new, it is generally still more tax-efficient to buy an electric car. 

This is because even though many electric cars are subject to the £410 per year expensive car supplement, many similar (luxury or SUV cars) petrol and diesel vehicles will be hit with a large first-year tax bill too. Even the most expensive EVs will only pay £10 in first-year VED. 

Even a modest vehicle, like the 1.0-litre petrol Fiat 500, will be more to tax than the battery equivalent. Its 105g of CO2 per km costing the owner £390 in first-year tax, and £195 every year after. The 500e being just £10 in year one, then £195 per year.

As one of the most common electric cars in the UK, here is a good breakdown of what you’ll pay to run a new or used Tesla, under the new regulations. 

An example of the tax paid on a new Tesla, registered after April 1st 2025.

These figures are using the base model of each offering, for the Model 3 this is the rear wheel drive version, without any optional extras, selecting any options will add the £410 per year tax.

I have excluded the new Model S and Model X, as they are no longer available in right-hand drive in the UK.

As the luxury car tax only applies to electric after April 2025, there are no older Teslas that will incur this, however, the age of the car will determine the VED payable:

How you feel about the aforementioned tax changes will probably depend on how you are affected. In some ways it makes sense, but cars are getting more and more expensive. If the government wants to encourage EV adoption, the £40,000 threshold might need to be looked at.

Whether your car is an EV, petrol or diesel, something that can ease your finances is using Bumper’s zero-interest car repair financing. Find a 

Do You Pay Road Tax On Electric Cars?

Drivers have been warned against using a new car accessory made famous by social media.

The device, which became popular on the video-sharing site TikTok, could see motorists hit with a big fine of up to £1,000.

Shaped like a hand, the device can be changed to make gestures to other road users through the rear window – and can even give other motorists the middle finger!