Mp response

[Parrot of doom]

I wrote a letter via www.faxyourmp.com the other day after watching the Trevor McDonut programme about laser speed cameras.

So far I've received a response that she'll forward my concerns to her boss in transport. Obviously I'll let you all know what info I get back, but has anybody else done this? The more that our MPs hear about it (lets face it, speed enforcement is hardly important to them), the more perhaps they can have an intelligent debate in government.

You never know, out of 600-odd MPs, if enough of them pay attention to the facts (ie Paul Smith's site), we might get a change.

[safespeed]

Yes. I've done it. I've had a 'concerned, please wait while I find out' reply.

I have a web page in preparation on the subject and I'm determined to finish it this evening. It will be: www.safespeed.org.uk/lti2020.html (does not yet exist)

It will include advice about writing to MPs.

[stubydoo]

Yep so have I - received it this morning, will keep you posted of any further developments

[stubydoo]

Letter received today - goes like this ;

Dear Natascha (my MP)
Thankyou for your letter on behalf of Mr. S. ....
Under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, blah blah... devices require type approval before evidence can be used in court...
Home office approval is only granted to devices that have a high degree of accuracy !!!!.......

Then goes on and on to say that the LTI 20/20 is such a device/ self calibrating ???? with their own fault report system.
Section 14.4 of the Code (ACPO) states the operator should be within 10 feet of the carriageway and at a range exceeding 50 feet, holding beam steady to avoid 'slip factor', aiming at the no. plate area.
Goes on then to say that the LTI used in the programme 'Inside out' was an American version - not type approved for UK use.


Best Wishes
Paul Goggins (photocopied signature)

What a load of cr*p !!

[justinp1]

stubydoo said:

Letter received today - goes like this ; Dear Natascha (my MP) Thankyou for your letter on behalf of Mr. S. .... Under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, blah blah... devices require type approval before evidence can be used in court... Home office approval is only granted to devices that have a high degree of accuracy !!!!....... Then goes on and on to say that the LTI 20/20 is such a device/ self calibrating ???? with their own fault report system. Section 14.4 of the Code (ACPO) states the operator should be within 10 feet of the carriageway and at a range exceeding 50 feet, holding beam steady to avoid 'slip factor', aiming at the no. plate area. Goes on then to say that the LTI used in the programme 'Inside out' was an American version - not type approved for UK use. Best Wishes Paul Goggins (photocopied signature) What a load of cr*p !!

Perhaps a response should include the question of how easy it is for an operator to adhere to the Code and holding the beam steady when it is used handheld at typically a quarter of a mile away or more.


Isnt it strange when the powers that be are showing the public how infallible the standards are they are called the 'Code', yet when this is challenged in court as the operator has clearly not headed them, their name is quickly subverted into 'Guidelines'...

[J500ANT]

Paul Goggins said:

Section 14.4 of the Code (ACPO) states the operator should be within 10 feet of the carriageway and at a range exceeding 50 feet, holding beam steady to avoid 'slip factor', aiming at the no. plate area.

So how does a scam van on a motorway overbridge count as "within 10 feet of the carriageway" ?

[voyds9]

stubydoo said:

Letter received today - goes like this ; Dear Natascha (my MP) Goes on then to say that the LTI used in the programme 'Inside out' was an American version - not type approved for UK use. Best Wishes Paul Goggins (photocopied signature) What a load of cr*p !!

So do the Americans get the inferior version or the enhanced version, somebodies police is getting an inferior product.

[hedders]

J500ANT said:

Paul Goggins said: Section 14.4 of the Code (ACPO) states the operator should be within 10 feet of the carriageway and at a range exceeding 50 feet, holding beam steady to avoid 'slip factor', aiming at the no. plate area. So how does a scam van on a motorway overbridge count as "within 10 feet of the carriageway" ?

Thats not a hand held unit, so it probably has different 'guidelines'.

[telecat]

The "It's a special uk version" was covered in the program. The Home office claim it's a different unit because its the same one NASA use. NASA when questioned by one of the programs stated their bought the same model as any US Police force. Hence it's the same unit!!!!

[stubydoo]

Thats my thoughts exactly - what a loada cr#p they talk !!!!!

[james_j]

Typical government-style "confusion" tactic. Used for years to good effect.