Many drivers can relate to the sinking feeling when they turn around the bend and spot a speed van in the distance.
Speed vans are aimed at deterring drivers from going over the speed limit, and if you are caught, you could face a hefty fine and penalty points, resulting in your car insurance premium rising.
However, a former police officer in North Wales has revealed just how speed cameras work and the truth behind some of the most popular myths about how you can avoid getting caught.
Speaking to dailypost.co.uk, the former policeman said: "I decided after retiring that I wanted to make the roads as safe as they can be in this area.
"The aim of cameras is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
"GoSafe prefers to educate drivers rather than punish them with fines and penalty points."
Can a speed van catch motorists driving on the opposite side of the road?
Many people believe that speed vans can only catch drivers travelling in one direction. However, Gareth said this is not true as any car that passes the van is recorded on the officer's camera.
He said if a motorist is exceeding the speed limit, whether they are driving in the same or opposite direction, they can expect a ticket.
How far over the speed limit do you have to go to get caught?
Some drivers think that a speed camera will only catch a speeding car if they are going ten per cent over the limit.
However, Gareth confirmed that this is not the case as speed cameras can catch any motorist travelling 1km above the limit.
This means no matter how minor the offence is, you could be given a speeding ticket and issued with penalty points.
How long does a speed van remain at one location?
Speed vans move from place to place more often than you may think as they hope to deter more motorists from exceeding the limit.
Gareth said for technical reasons, a speed van will only remain in a certain spot for 90 minutes.
During an average eight hour shift, they will normally visit three different spots across the region where they have been ordered to visit.
Is flashing other drivers to warn them of speed cameras illegal?
If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law.
According to the British Department of Transport, flashing your headlights to warn of a speed camera or roadside police speed check would be in breach of Rule 110 and 111 of the Code, which could stand up in a court of law as evidence.
However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent."
