Apparently we're quoted from the following PR in all three nationals today.
PR167: Impossible 'evidence' from laser speed meter
News: Strict Embargo 8am Wednesday 16th February 2005
The Press and Journal reports today an Inverness court case where
alleged evidence from a laser speed meter was shown to be impossible.
Safe Speed calls for urgent action to preserve public confidence.
The Police evidence was based on laser speed meter reading of 131mph
presented in support of a charge of dangerous driving, but the car was
an import still fitted with Japanese market speed limiter.
Engineers tested the car and found that it was incapable of exceeding
107mph. When the court was presented with this evidence they returned
a 'not proven' verdict.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(
www.safespeed.org.uk) commented: "We hear many complaints about laser
speed meter evidence, but it is very unusual for the accused driver to
be able to demonstrate that his speed was anything other than that
claimed by the Police. The courts usually convict, but unusual cases
like this prove the point that laser speed meter evidence can be
unreliable."
"Confidence in speed enforcement is already low," explains Paul, "many
people see speeding fines as nothing more than a stealth tax. This
case will further damage public confidence. Over zealous speed
enforcement has badly affected the relationship between the police and
the public. Vital respect for Police is earned over decades and lost
in minutes. Chief Constables please take note!"
Safe Speed demands either:
* a full explanation of the failure of the speed meter in this case or
* an immediate end to the use of laser speed meters in prosecutions
<ends>