A life-saving tool for making cars slow down or a sneaky way of grabbing money from drivers - speed cameras are a divisive topic.
But there are many myths and false information around speed cameras that many have always believed to be true.
These range from the idea that most speed cameras aren't actually switched on to what speed triggers the camera flash.
The myths are so pervasive and there are so many that most people will have heard and believed at least one.
What is for certain is that speed cameras save lives. Speed is the number one risk factor in the majority of road traffic injuries.
To clear up the myths around these vital road safety tools, the charity Brake released information around speed cameras to clear up misconceptions, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports.
So let's fact-check the top 10 myths and beliefs about speed cameras.
1. Not all speed cameras work. Some are switched off
TRUE
A spokesman for Brake said: "Various Freedom of Information requests have revealed that some speed cameras are not fully operational in the UK.
"Brake fully supports the use of speed cameras, and would encourage the return to use of any cameras that have been turned off.
"Speed cameras are proven to reduce speeding, and can catch far higher numbers of speeding drivers than traffic police with mobile cameras."
2. You have to be speeding at least 10 per cent over the limit plus 2mph to get caught
FALSE
The law states that a driver can receive a speeding ticket as soon as they exceed the speed limit on a road, even if that is only by 1mph.
However, guidance provided by the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council, formally ACPO, Association of Chief Police Officers), suggests that officers do not seek to prosecute a driver until they have exceeded the speed limit by 10 per cent plus 2mph.
3. If you drive really quickly, you won't trigger the camera
FALSE
This is completely wrong. The only way to avoid triggering the camera is to stick within the speed limit.
4. Speed cameras must be painted yellow to be legal
FALSE
The Government wants all speed cameras in England painted yellow. But if you're caught on a grey one before that happens, tough - the offence still counts.
5. Average speed cameras don't really work and that's why some people ignore them
FALSE
The spokesman for Brake said: "Average speed cameras are an effective way to prevent dangerous driver behaviour.
"They are particularly beneficial as they enforce limits over a longer stretch of road, preventing law-breaking drivers from being able to speed up again immediately after passing a camera."
6. You must be notified within a certain amount of time for it to be valid
TRUE
Brake said a driver caught by a speed camera, rather than a police officer, must be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days.
The notice goes to the individual to whom the vehicle is registered.
7. You can request a speed awareness course
FALSE
Those eligible for a course will be notified by police. If you haven't been offered one, then you don't qualify.
8. You can do a speed awareness course more than once
TRUE
Drivers caught speeding for a second time may be able to do a second course, depending on the severity of the offence.
But this can't be within three years of the first speed awareness course.
9. If you get a speed awareness course, you don't have to declare it on your insurance
FALSE
Brake says: "Drivers who fail to reveal that they have undertaken a speed awareness course, who then later make a claim to their insurance provider, may find that their policy is invalid.
"Information on whether a driver has taken a speed awareness course is held by local police forces."
10. You can even get caught on a bicycle or horse
FALSE
Brake says: "While it is unlikely that a cyclist, or other road user on non-motorised transport, would be able to reach the necessary speeds to be above the limit, the law holds that legislation around speed limits covers only motor or mechanically propelled vehicles."
