Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Speed Cameras: A Fair Cop?

I've only ever been nicked for speeding once before. I was coming back down the hill from Frant into Tunbridge Wells about seven years ago and didn't spot the speed camera sign, didn't slow down quick enough, saw the flash in my rear view mirror and thought: "It's a fair cop!" A few days later the official looking letter arrived from Sussex Police, with photographic evidence and I paid up without much of a moan. Last week, driving back from Uckfield and Crowborough, I had a really easy, pleasant little trip and didn't think very much of the journey at all. Clear roads, a little foggy with sunshine breaking through from what I remember. So imagine my surprise then when, a few days later, I got another little official looking letter from Sussex Police with those dreaded words "Notification of Intended Prosecution" Apparently I'd been clocked doing 53 in a 40 zone through Eridge Green! No photos were sent to back up the allegation, I have to request them in writing. I can't recall the incident at all, I can't say I noticed anything unusual in that area, I didn't nearly cause an accident, I don't consider that I was in any way driving dangerously that day. In fact quite the reverse, I'm pretty sure that I'm a considerate, careful, experienced driver. I don't feel that I've been taught any lesson, other than perhaps to always drive like a learner in Sussex, since I didn't realise I'd committed a crime. I always get the feeling that the emphasis of GATSO speed cameras is to catch you out after the event; far more effective for me are those signs which light up in front of you to tell you that you're speeding and to slow down. They work for me and make me do just that. Speed cameras just make you feel resentment and frustration. Yes I know that if I'd driven slower then I wouldn't have got a ticket but I can't be the only one left feeling cheated by this experience. I think I'll stick to riding my bike, I can go as fast as I like, it keeps me fit and it hardly costs a penny....

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

look forard to paying for and doing a speed awareness course (about £100 plus shutting the shop up for a day).
You could get yourself or ask Santa Claus for a SatNav with speed camera warnings on it. Unless you pay for a real time satnav it wont do those mobile cameras though.

Tonbridge blogger said...

Great thanks for filling me full of dread! The stupid thing is I've got one of those Sat Navs. Just didn't use it that day because I knew where I was going! One lesson learned at least....

sebfox said...

Here's a tip. Look out for those big white signs with a black camera symbol on it, usually preceded by signs saying "SPEED CAMERA"! Failing that watch for a big yellow box on a pole. I know they're difficult to spot, but if you see one of those, it means you should slow down as there might just be a speed camera there. I hope this is helpful.