Drivers in the UK can face a fine of up to £1,000 if they share the locations of mobile speed cameras on social media sites.
Much like drivers who flash their lights to alert their fellow motorists of speed cameras, posting warnings on Facebook and Twitter can be classed as a criminal offence. As social media has become more popular, it has become very common for users to highlight the locations of police monitoring speed in community spaces.
The Daily Post reports that drivers alerting others about police speed traps have been warned by officers they could actually be in breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1997. This law has been designed to penalise people who "wilfully obstructs" a constable in the execution of his or her duty.
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Breaking this law can also lead to a one month stay in prison. Or a fine that could be as much as £1,000.
A spokesperson for the NWP road policing unit said: “Publicising the locations of speed traps hampers the good work that staff and officers do to reduce speeding motorists, which is one of the “Fatal Five” offences. Motorists could be prosecuted if they are caught warning other drivers on the road for any speed trap.”
In Merseyside, there are 37 fixed speed camera sites, 13 fixed red light or 'Speed on Green' sites and 90 different sites that are used by the mobile camera vans. These locations have been specially selected based on the casualty data and local complaints surround speed.
However, be careful where you share information on the locations of these mobile cameras- you don't want to end up with a month long sentence or a hefty £1,000 fine.
