Safe Speed Forums

Drivers caught speeding on a Devon road could have their convictions quashed.
Mobile speed cameras often operate on the A379 at Starcross between Exeter and Dawlish.

But four cases have been dismissed because of road sign problems. Those previously convicted may get fines returned and licence points erased.

The Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, which runs the cameras, says it is reviewing what action it will take in response to these cases.

Speeds not challenged

Mobile speed cameras have been used frequently in recent years on the busy and narrow stretch of the A379.

But the signs telling drivers of speed limits have been deemed as set too far apart.

A judge involved in the four cases dismissed charges, saying the signage and traffic orders were fatally flawed.

The four drivers were doing up to 44mph (71k/ph) in the 30mph (48k/ph), according to the cameras.

This judgement may result in anyone being found guilty of speeding in the area since June 2002 being able to get their conviction dropped.

This could run into thousands and may include holidaymakers who regularly use the road en-route to Dawlish Warren or Dawlish.

Devon County Council, which is in charge of road signs, said it would wait for a full written judgement before making any comment.

The Safety Camera Partnership pointed out the drivers did not challenge the speeds recorded.

It defended the use of cameras in the area, saying they had helped reduce injuries on this stretch of road to zero between 2003 and 2004

The Safety Camera Partnership pointed out the drivers did not challenge the speeds recorded.

They put motorists off making a challenge, they make the threat of additional fine and points added if they do.

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/2005/11nov/051103tip.shtml

Regional press news - this story published 3.11.2005

E-mail tip-off for story that tempted hundreds of readers to call in
By HoldtheFrontPage staff

A five-line e-mail tip-off to the Express and Echo in Exeter has prompted one of the biggest responses to a story that the paper has ever seen.

The e-mail told how a man had overturned a speeding conviction in court after showing that the road signs had been put up in the wrong place.

The paper discovered that the road's classification was such that many more people who had been clocked breaking the speed limit could be in the clear.

And newsdesk phones have been ringing off the hook ever since.
Editor Marc Astley said: "More than 170 people have rung us so far and we carried the first 100 names on the front of Saturday's edition.

"I can't remember a response like this anywhere I have worked.
"It's hit a raw nerve. It's such an emotive subject and on this occasion that's been borne out.
"It has been accepted that the speed limit is wrong and this sort of thing affects people's lives.
"We've got someone who lost their job because of being prosecuted, and we've heard from a woman who faces being banned from driving.

"The whole thing has upset a lot of people."