If you’re driving around Kent in a hire car or van, whether it’s just for the day or over the weekend, there’s one thing you’ll want to avoid: getting flashed by a speed camera.
Nobody wants a fine dropping through the post a week later, especially when you were only borrowing the vehicle. So here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to where speed cameras are in Kent, how they work, and what to watch out for while you’re out and about.
Hire vehicles can get tickets
Some people think if you’re in a rental, you might get away with a warning or the fine disappears into a black hole. Not true. If a speed camera catches you, the notice comes straight to us, and we’re legally required to pass on your details. You’ll get the fine, and possibly a small admin charge from us for the paperwork.
So yeah, drive like it’s your own car.
What kinds of speed cameras are out there?
Kent’s got a mix, and they all do the same job: catching people going over the limit.
Fixed speed cameras
The big yellow boxes on poles. Usually in places where people speed a lot or there’ve been accidents.
Average speed cameras
Often found on the motorway or near roadworks. They clock your speed between two points, so braking for one won’t help you.
Mobile vans
Police set these up in lay-bys, on bridges, or just tucked around corners. Harder to spot unless you’re really paying attention.
Red light and speed cameras
At traffic lights. They’ll catch you if you shoot through on red or speed up to beat the amber.
Where are the most common camera spots in Kent?
Cameras move around, but here are some of the areas where drivers often get caught.
M20 motorway
Between Maidstone and Ashford (Junctions 6 to 9): average speed cameras, especially near roadworks
Slip road between J4 and J5 near Aylesford: fixed camera
A2 (Canterbury to Dover)
Near Bridge, just outside Canterbury: mobile van hotspot
Lydden Hill area: another common speed check area
Thanet
A256 Ramsgate Road, Margate: fixed camera
A299 Thanet Way: average speed zone. Watch this one
Medway towns
Corporation Street in Rochester: fixed camera in a 30mph zone
Dock Road, Chatham: speed and red light camera combo
Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks
A26 Eridge Road: fixed camera
A25 Riverhead: mobile vans spotted regularly
Basically, if it feels like somewhere you could get away with speeding, you probably can’t.
What happens if you do get caught?
Here’s how it goes.
The penalty notice goes to us because we own the vehicle
We pass your details to the police
You get the fine in the post
We might also charge a small admin fee. It’s in the hire agreement
Usually, it’s a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence. Sometimes you’ll be offered a speed awareness course instead if it’s your first time or you weren’t going too far over.
How to avoid getting caught
Here are a few easy ways to stay on the safe side.
Use Google Maps or Waze. They both warn you about speed cameras
Stick to the limit, especially in villages, school zones and roadworks
Don’t guess. Some country roads are now 40 or even 30mph
Watch out for vans in lay-bys and on bridges. They’re sneaky but legal
Speed cameras aren’t just about fines. They’re about keeping people safe. That said, it’s easy to get caught out, especially if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area or trying to make good time.
So whether you’re hiring a van to move house, picking up a rental for a weekend away, or just using a car while yours is in the garage, take it easy. Know the rules, keep your eyes open, and enjoy the drive.
If you’ve got any questions when you pick up your vehicle, just ask. We’re local, we know the roads, and we’re happy to help.
Ready to book a hire car or van in Kent? Give us a shout or book online in a couple of clicks.