speed limit notifications

[and]

I received an NIP a couple of weeks ago alleging excess speed in a 40 limit. At the time I wrongly believed I was in a 50 (dual carriageway) and was within that limit - so a genuine mistake.

I identified myself as the driver within the 28 days and enclosed a polite letter explaining why the notifications were not visible. There are two 40 signs - first sign in a bus stop (wholly obscured for 30 seconds every 6 minutes as was the case that day) and the second sign is tiny and hidden 1 metre directly behind a seriously BIG yellow traffic lights ahead warning sign.

They immediately wrote back enclosing the GATSO picture saying that once the conditional fixed penalty offer is made I can appeal in court - but I haven't received that offer yet and am wondering:

a) how long I should expect to wait for the fixed penalty offer ? Is it possible I could be 'overlooked' since I wrote back politely & sent my pictures ?

b) are the authorities obliged to make speed notifications systematically visible ? Obviously there are times when all signs can be temporarily obscured, but what defines "temporary" ?

c) does it matter that the sun shines in my eyes on that stretch at that time in the evening ? On my bike those conditions make it difficult to see even sensibly placed signs.

d) In the GATSO picture I can see big, clear 30 signs 100 metres up the road on both sides marking the new limit. Why wouldn't the authorities post similarly clear speed limit signs BEFORE the safety camera ?

I would just take the points to save the admin hassle if I hadn't picked up 3 points in march from a mobile van for 81 on the A1M. 6 points + associated insurance costs + risk of ban in the future for what IMHO were minor indiscretions would be harsh.

And

[outlaw]

shouldent have signed the nip m8

[gh0st]

Mistakes dont matter unfortuantly

Only £££££ does

Thanks to the politics and people like Richard Brustwat and North Wales Police Ltd.

[centurion07]

might be wrong but the "fixed offer" thingy was the form you signed & sent back I think. They made an offer of giving you 3 points & paying the fine to avoid court action, & by signing & returning the form, you've taken them up on their very kind offer! Not 100% sure but I think it's too late for you to try & argue the merits of their piss-poor sign-posting that led to your indiscretion!

By the way, I know nothing about anything & even less about this so I could be wrong!

[deltaf]

And stop calling it a safety camera FFS!
It measures speed, safety dont even enter into the equation.

[jeffreyarcher]

and said:

There are two 40 signs - first sign in a bus stop (wholly obscured for 30 seconds every 6 minutes as was the case that day) and the second sign is tiny and hidden 1 metre directly behind a seriously BIG yellow traffic lights ahead warning sign.

Start signs must be in pairs. If one is obscured (behind the other sign), get a 'photo pronto.

[Tabs]

Since they've changed tack and called them 'Safety Cameras/Partnerships', I've often wondered how they are going to prove you were driving unsafely? As has been said before many times, you may have 4 bald tyres, and drive under the posted limit, but are you and those around you safe? Alas, we all know the answer.....

[flat in fifth]

jeffreyarcher said:

and said: There are two 40 signs - first sign in a bus stop (wholly obscured for 30 seconds every 6 minutes as was the case that day) and the second sign is tiny and hidden 1 metre directly behind a seriously BIG yellow traffic lights ahead warning sign. Start signs must be in pairs. If one is obscured (behind the other sign), get a 'photo pronto.

Spot on my man.
If you want the full regulations relating to this

Traffic Signs and General Directions Regulations 2002

www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023113.htm

In there you will find (eventually its a long and complicated piece of legislation) the size, placement and number of signs needed relevant to the bit of road in question. The maximum distance between repeater signs and so on.

If we have to obey the law as written so must the authorities in my opinion.