Nicked by hand held radar gun - A question!
Discussion
Having been flagged down and nicked in the Lake District yesterday for doing 57mph on a 40mph country road (by a motorbike cop parked up in a hedge with a radar gun), I was issued with a fixed penalty notice.
With hindsight however, what would have happened if I wanted to be an awkward sod and simply refused to accept his reading as accurate (by claiming that I wasn't doing anywhere near 57mph.) It was only a hand held radar detector (which I assume does not take a photo of the car?) and he was on his own.
Despite him having a radar gun showing a reading of 57mph how can he prove that the reading was taken off my car and not a car that passed just before mine or at any other time?
It’s probably too late now but it got me thinking.
If I had chosen to go to court, would it simply be a case that his word would be viewed as more accurate/reliable than mine (and my passengers) and therefore I would merely be charged on the basis of his evidence being irrefutably correct?
All answers gratefully received!
With hindsight however, what would have happened if I wanted to be an awkward sod and simply refused to accept his reading as accurate (by claiming that I wasn't doing anywhere near 57mph.) It was only a hand held radar detector (which I assume does not take a photo of the car?) and he was on his own.
Despite him having a radar gun showing a reading of 57mph how can he prove that the reading was taken off my car and not a car that passed just before mine or at any other time?
It’s probably too late now but it got me thinking.
If I had chosen to go to court, would it simply be a case that his word would be viewed as more accurate/reliable than mine (and my passengers) and therefore I would merely be charged on the basis of his evidence being irrefutably correct?
All answers gratefully received!
Hi Stuart..
While camera/video evidence is always first class...Magistrates will in 99% of cases take the word of an officer, backed up with a Pro-laser or other such speed measuring device.
If you would have disputed it, apart from your wasted day at court, you would have probably only still got 3 points, but your fine would have been much higher. Depending on the road in question, the reasons for them being their (ie: accident rates/speed complaint site etc)..the fine could be significantly higher.
I think you were very wise to take it on the chin...
Nevermind...not the end of the world...Try to steady on for a while now..
Street
While camera/video evidence is always first class...Magistrates will in 99% of cases take the word of an officer, backed up with a Pro-laser or other such speed measuring device.
If you would have disputed it, apart from your wasted day at court, you would have probably only still got 3 points, but your fine would have been much higher. Depending on the road in question, the reasons for them being their (ie: accident rates/speed complaint site etc)..the fine could be significantly higher.
I think you were very wise to take it on the chin...
Nevermind...not the end of the world...Try to steady on for a while now..
Street
Thanks for that Streetcop! I guess it's what I expected.
On the way home we actually made a conscious effort to try to stick to the speed limits on a variety of roads (rural, A-roads and motorway!) It's bloody hard work at times and takes a hell of a lot of concentration!
I'm off to our parts department now to acquire a new Road Angel!
On the way home we actually made a conscious effort to try to stick to the speed limits on a variety of roads (rural, A-roads and motorway!) It's bloody hard work at times and takes a hell of a lot of concentration!
I'm off to our parts department now to acquire a new Road Angel!
Stuart Davidson said:
Thanks for that Streetcop! I guess it's what I expected.
On the way home we actually made a conscious effort to try to stick to the speed limits on a variety of roads (rural, A-roads and motorway!) It's bloody hard work at times and takes a hell of a lot of concentration!
I'm off to our parts department now to acquire a new Road Angel!
It's surprising how relaxing keeping to the speed limit can be...I did a return trip to Carlisle last week and on the way there...overtook at every safe opportunity, made 'progress' where safe and suitable to do so etc etc...on the way back, I relaxed and kept to the speed limit and was gentle with accelleration and braking. Result was a much happier drive, less fuel used, less panicking looking for fellow Bib
and the time difference was something like 15 mins... Regarding your Road Angel and such like..
Don't rely on it too much or it can catch you out....For example it doesn't detect bridges, white painted squares etc used for vascar speed enforcement..
Street
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff