The truth behind that '˜instant ban' warning for speeding drivers on M1 in SheffieldÂ

Drivers were shocked to read a warning on social media that all cameras on the M1 and M25 '˜went live' earlier this month, set at 72mph.

The tweet, which has been retweeted thousands of times' warns that there is now an auto ticket generating system with a six-point penalty. 

Motorists were also told that any driver caught speeding over 90mph would face an instant ban as well as a possible court and custodial sentence order. 

The original tweet read: "All cameras on M1 and M25 go live at midnight tonight, set at 72mph.

'Auto ticket generating system with 6 point penalty.

"Watch your speed and tell everyone else tonight, any speed over 90mph is instant ban & possible court & custodial sentence order!! Drive safely guys & girls."

However, Highways England have now released a statement confirming that the viral tweet is not true. 

A spokesperson tweeted: "I can confirm that the content of that tweet (which appears to be doing the rounds on social media) is not correct. Safe travels."

Drivers can be fined £100 fixed penalty notice for speeding, which can rise to £2,500 if your case is taken to court.