All new types of speed cameras must be approved by the Secretary of State for use. The team at Carter Moore are able to check whether this has occurred in any given case.
- Approval of devices
- Proper Usage
- Calibration
- False Readings
These devices use a radar or laser beam to detect the speed of a moving vehicle. They are used by police officers who point the ‘guns’ at a target vehicle. The beam bounces off the vehicle back to the device to produce a speed reading.
Most speed cameras have an operational manual setting out how they should be used. In addition, the police are obliged to follow their own detailed guidelines ('the ACPO Guidelines'). Carter Moore is familiar with all of these requirements and can consider whether the speed camera device was properly used in your particular case. We have experience of speeding prosecutions being dropped or thrown out of court where it has been established that correct procedures were not followed.
Most speed cameras must be calibrated annually by the manufacturer to avoid incorrect readings. In addition, the police must perform checks on devices before and after they are used to make sure they are taking accurate readings. Carter Moore Solicitors will always check for proper calibration in a speeding case. If this is not shown, it can be argued that the speed camera device is unreliable, and that the speed camera readings can be incorrect.
Scientific tests have shown that some of the speed monitoring devices used by the police can produce false readings even when they have apparently been properly used. When you receive a NIP, you can request the photographic or video evidence and an expert can help you determine if the speed camera took a false reading. If you have been caught by a Gatso you will receive two photographs.
If you believe that the speed registered by a Gatso camera is wrong, CM Solicitors can use the image to manually calculate your speed, using the following method:
1. In the photo, you will see markings on the road near the Gatso camera. We make a note of how many marks you have passed between the first photograph and the second photograph.
2. We make a note of the time interval between the first photograph and the second.
3. We can then return to the location of the camera and carefully measure the distance between marks. This is usually either 1.5m or 2m. You can convert metres to feet by multiplying by 0.3048.
4. We will use the following formula to calculate your speed: speed in mph= (number of marks passed * feet between marks * 0.6818) / (time interval between the two photographs)
Speed camera false readings is a complex area requiring scientific expertise. However, should you believe that such an error may have occurred in your case, CM Solicitors can help you interpret your speed camera photographs and provide expert witnesses to analyse the particular circumstances of your case.
If you believe that speed camera evidence against you is wrong, you should consult a specialist speeding offence solicitor. If you are facing a driving ban or a large penalty as a result of your speeding offence, CM Solicitors may be able to help get the penalty reduced if there were any mitigating circumstances. Email us or phone us on 08458 737 333* to arrange a free initial consultation and see if CM Solicitors can help with your speed camera defence case.