How average speed cameras on M1 smart motorway work - and how to avoid a £2,500 fine

Smart motorways have more cameras and variable speed limits than a typical motorway - meaning motorists have a much higher chance of getting caught and fined for speeding.

To make matters worse, many drivers do not realise how the cameras on smart motorways work.

They usually enforce variable speed limits, but even when they’re not in place, the cameras can still catch you speeding.

Highways England said: "If no special speed limit is displayed then the national speed limit applies.

"If you don’t keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine."

New categorised speeding sentencing structures could see drivers who offend being fined up to £2,500.

Motorists who speed will be put into one of three categories: Band A, band B and band C.

Band A speeders will receive three points and fined 50% of their weekly income.

Band B could receive four to six points, a week to 28 days disqualified from driving, and fined 100% of their weekly income.

If you are unlucky enough to be placed in Band C, you could be given six points, banned from driving from a week to 56 days, and fined 150% of your weekly income.

Speeding is not the only thing to keep your eye on - ignoring the ‘red X’ sign displayed above the lanes is extremely dangerous.

Camera enforcement for closed lanes was introduced in July 2019, and drivers face an automatic £100 fine and three penalty points for doing so.