David Edgar, the man who intends to prove that Gatso scameras over-read and therefore help convict the innocent, has reiterated his commitment to continue the fight against what he described as 'the old boy network'.
He said that since they had refused to communicate with him, he would not be attending the court hearing, which was due yesterday but, if they convicted him in his absence, he would take it to appeal.
However, sources suggest that this may not be the full story, as the charge against Edgar was not, say sources, speeding but failure to disclose the driver. In other words, Edgar has received a notice of intent to prosecute (NIP) but has not responded. The Crown Prosecution Service has consequently ruled that the Gatso evidence is not relevant to the case until the matter of who was driving has been determined.
Nonetheless, Edgar's statement, posted on another forum, is below:
“Since launching this legal counter attack on the Gatso speed camera I have received an enormous amount of mail supporting my stand against the unfair and unjust exploitation of law abiding motorists, the Internet campaign groups have also rallied round and supported my efforts, so too have the national press and TV who have beat a path to my door for what is now becoming a very big story, I have also received a number of emails warning me of the evil empire who will do anything to protect its money grabbing scam, they were not wrong......
"As predicted the old boy network have attempted to deny my legal challenge to the accuracy of the Gatso speed camera by totally ignoring my formal request for a full day in Court, this being made last November, they have deliberately remained silent about the fact that they knew all along that they had only allowed two hours for a very technical and complex trial.
"Fortunately an investigative journalist alerted me to this fact yesterday following his conversation with the Listing Office, I then immediately contacted the Listings Office and confirmed the same, I also made it clear that this was totally unacceptable and I would immediately apply for an adjournment.
"Having made such a formal Application to the Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon I have to report that they have totally ignored the same therefore I have since written to the Court informing them that I will not be attending the Court tomorrow and warned them that if they proceed in my absence an immediate appeal will be made to the Crown Court.
"Having received such an immense amount of support from the hundreds of decent people out there I felt it only right and fair to inform each and every one of them of the current situation and encourage them not to despair or give up, because I never will, this is only the beginning but I believe it will be the beginning of the end for the Gatso speed camera.
"The fight will continue...."