Q- I have received a speed camera penalty by post. The notice tells me I was doing 65mph in a 50mph zone but I know the road concerned and there is a sharp corner that makes it difficult to exceed the limit. I also have a camera warning system, which did not tell me there was a camera at that location, and have no recollection of the camera Dashing. Can I request photographs and the calibration details of the camera before I respond to the notice of intended prosecution or would this only be available if I took the matter to court? –CH from London
A – If your GPS locator failed to warn you of a fixed camera site (and provided it was up to date) we would assume you have been caught by a mobile speed gun operated by the police. ! According to a recent BBC investigation, the most commonly used laser speed gun, the LTI 20.20, may result in inaccurate speed readings if officers move even slightly while operating the device. So you may be right to doubt the reading, although the AA Motoring Trust warns: “Inaccurate readings happen increasingly rarely and many motorists can break the speed limit on familiar roads without realising.” How easy it is to get hold of photographs and documentation to support your argument varies from force to force. Some police forces and safety camera partnerships will produce documents on request and
may drop the fine if the motorist can , then prove the penalty charge was given in error. But they are not legally obliged to produce any evidence unless the driver decides to challenge the fine in court. This, of course, isa risky business and could end up costing you a. great deal more than the original £60 fine and three points on your licence Рanything up to £1,000 (or £2,500 if the offence took place on a motorway) and six points on your licence if you are found guilty .
Even if you win your case and the fine is dropped there is no guarantee you will have your legal costs reimbursed. We suggest you consult a solicitor before pursuing your case and visit www.pepipoo.com, which offers legal advice aimed at drivers.