Wednesday, 9 April, 2008 at 6:00 pm by Motor Lawyers
Cambridgeshire Constabulary have rolled out their latest bid to slow down speeding motorists which consists of recruiting members of the local community to carry out speed checks. The “Speed Watch” pilot programme has already recruited 5 members of the public who have been trained up to use speed detection equipment in Soham for the 3 month trial.
Although the residents have no authority to stop or challenge any motorist alleged to be in excess of the speed limit, the plan is to note the vehicle details and then send an advisory/warning letter to the registered keeper.
Other local areas covered include Chippenham, Wickham, Fordham, Isleham, Kennett and Snailwell.
The project follows a similar “peer pressure” approach in Norfolk where speeding motorists were stopped by the Police and told to explain themselves to local school children, rather than face prosecution.
Wednesday, 2 April, 2008 at 10:33 am by Motor Lawyers
The most common offence committed by the motorist is speeding and North Wales Police, notorious for their zero tolerance for speeding, have a new weapon in their armoury.
Drivers who are upset that on previous occasions Police operations have not been entirely transparent, will be alarmed to note that part of their new covert approach, the constabulary have adapted a horsebox to become a mobile speed camera unit.
This is the not the first time that North Wales Police have adopted unusual policing methods, in the past there have been reports of officers hiding behind walls and road signs.
Although Safety Camera Partnerships and the Police often give warning of locations or make equipment clearly visible, as per codes of conduct and the ACPO Guidelines, there is actually no requirement for this to be done so the methods used by North Wales Police are legitimate. Indeed, the constabulary will no doubt emphasise that despite issuing over 55,000 tickets in 2007, speeding is prevalent in the area in order to justify their unorthodox approach.
Covert speed cameras are relatively rare in the UK, although in Europe, every day items such as wheelie bins have been used to disguise speed cameras.
Friday, 28 March, 2008 at 1:20 pm by Motor Lawyers
Norfolk Safety Camera Partnership today launched their new “multi angle safety camera van” as part of their efforts to prosecute speeding motorcyclists. The partnership accepts that previously it had difficulty convicting motorcyclists for speeding offences because the lack of front number plates made identification difficult.
The new camera van, which is fitted with multi directional cameras and recording systems, results in vehicles being identified from front, side and rear angles. It is designed to eliminate the problems previously encountered with motorcyclists, as it will allow recordings to be taken of vehicles as they approach and leave the speed check with the result that a number plate will always be obtained.
Similar devices have been used successfully by other police forces, encouraging Norfolk Safety Camera Partnership to invest as the area has a disproportionately high number of incidents involving speeding motorcyclists.
Thursday, 20 March, 2008 at 3:24 pm by Motor Lawyers
In a bid to ease motorway congestion, the first motorway car-share lane has opened in West Yorkshire. The lane stretches 1.7 miles and links the southbound M606 from Bradford to the eastbound M62 towards Leeds and it is estimated will save the average commuter 30-40 minutes per week.
What are the rules/which vehicles are entitled to use the car-sharing lane?
Vehicles must be carrying two or more people.
Motorcyclists can use the lane and do not need to carry an extra passenger.
Heavy goods vehicles are not allowed to use the lane.
What is the Penalty if I breach the rules? Those who get caught can expect a £30 fixed penalty ticket.
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