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.
Wednesday, 19 March, 2008 at 3:36 pm by Motor Lawyers
The Highway, E1, has never been the easiest access to and from London with 4 speed cameras within the space of a quarter of a mile and a further 6 cameras in the adjacent Limehouse Link. However, motorists, particular motorcyclists, have also recently been subject to mobile checks which the Police have been carrying out at the junction of Ensign Way, adjacent to the News International buildings.
These checks are becoming increasingly common with the Police not only targeting speeding motorists, but also any vehicle that encroaches the hatch markings.
Users of the road should be alert to the fact that fixed penalties are being handed out in large numbers as the Police seek to enforce compliance on one of the busiest routes into the City.
Motor Lawyers have noticed a large increase in enquiries over the last few days, particularly from motorcyclists who believe that they are entitled to use the hatch markings on the basis that it is bordered by broken white lines.
Rule 130 of the Highway Code states that:
Chevrons bordered by broken white lines are there to separate traffic lanes and should not be entered “unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so”.
Consequently, using them to overtake slow moving traffic is not “necessary” and will result in 3 penalty points and a £60 fine.
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