Safe Speed Forums

Hi There,

Ive had a run in with a Gatso this evening... and I know for sure that I was under 30, as I nearly died-out going up the hill and had to change down because I had slowed off so much for the upcoming camera.

I was sure I was doing 25-28 mph, and as I was nearly over the markings, the camera flashed (I was looking in the mirror, as Im particularly petrified of that camera - Just outside Loughton, Essex, if anyone is familiar with it!) and there was a car beind me, just starting on the markings post the camera.....

How do I know who the camera caught?? I only have a month to go before my 2 years new driver probation is up, but I dont want any points, and on a student wage I can ill afford the FPN!

If anyone has any ideas, they'll be greatly appreciated!


Please guys - Im really worried that Im going to get some unwanted mail this week!


Thanks.

I take it the markings looked like this or this.
If so the camera should have flashed twice. Exactly where were you and the other car, relative to the markings, when the camera flashed?

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

Hi Smeggy, thanks for the reply.

Yep it was markings like the first ones you've linked to - a big yellow gatso, and yes it did flash twice.

with regard to where I was and where the other car was....
I was very nearly over the lines, relevant to where the pole is infront of the camera in your picture,
and as for the other car, hard to tell because I was looking in the mirror - but I would imagine about the 3rd big line past the camera.


What do you think?

If you were describing where you were at the first flash, then I tend towards thinking should be OK; if the second then it could have been taking a photo of you. Was the car behind catching up with you?

If you were sure your speedo was reading less than 29 then again you should be OK as they typically over-read by a couple of mph anyway. Also, the camera trip threshold will be at a true 34mph or higher.

It could be that the camera radar sensor was in error for some reason, if so the photos will demonstrate this (the photos help form a confirmation of the radar measurement).
It could also be that the camera was an uncalibrated dummy; these are not as uncommon as you might think.


I’m inclined to say you should be OK. Even if you were actually speeding, there are delaying tactics you can use such that you won’t get the points until your probation period has ended.

Shouldn't really matter in any case. Any picture that shows more than one vehicle should be discarded as useless evidence.
Section 16 of ACPO Code of Practice "Where there is a suggestion in the image that two or more vehicles are, or may, be in the measurement field the reading must be disregarded"

Thats great to hear guys, thanks!

Yeah I was probably three quarters over when the first flash went - tho the second was almost directly after it.

About the Section 16 information (thanks very much Lynnzer!) if a NIP does arrive, can I ask for the pix to see for myself if there are two cars in the measurement field, and then contest it?

That's a good point. If you do find yourself on the receiving end of a NIP then make sure the photos you are given aren't conveniently cropped - demand photos that show the full length of the road markings.