Speed prosecutions illegal says secret source

Mis-use of equipment means 8,000 motorists have suffered

By PH Staff / Monday, 6 September 2004 / Loading comments

Safe Speed has recently learned that at least 8,000 motorists have been prosecuted illegally using speed cameras outside the conditions of type approval. The information originated from a confidential police source through a trusted intermediary.

These cases relate to the "Mini Gatso" portable speed trap. Although the Mini Gatso has type approval, it is not approved for use in a "front facing" mode. Confidential police sources estimate that at least 8,000 motorists have been illegally prosecuted using the Mini Gatso in front facing mode. There are no plans to set aside these illegitimate prosecutions.

Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign said: "Speed cameras are out of control. They don't target dangerous drivers, they don't make the roads safer and they don't even properly follow their own important regulations. It is all looking increasingly like a 'dash for cash' as greedy partnership managers build empires at the public's expense."

Richard Bentley, Traffic signs and regulations expert said: "It is crucially important that with signing, regulation and court procedures that the requirements and statutes are fully adhered to. Authorities seem to forget that the more stringent requirements in law are placed upon them to get it right in the first place. Breeches of regulations can and will lead to challenges and undermine public confidence in the entire legal process."