Safe Speed Forums

I am probably being over worried, but here is the tale....

I was passenger in a 7.5 tom truck at the weekend, he is employed by a company as a driver the truck is hired, and also his tacho was in.

On the way back he felt over tired and asked if i would drive the last 100 or so miles.

Never having driven anything other than a mini sized car, thought i would have a go... anyway after about half an hour we came off the dual carrageway into a 60 zone, I clicked of the 56mpg auto speed controller, and kept going around 50-55 (the roads clear though) I passed probably 5 trovello? forward facing speed cameras during this time...

Do they provide any visable flash at night (didnt see any) or am i looking at loosing my licence? ++

Possibly not just for the speeding tickets, but if you are not insured to drive it then you have those six points to add provided your mate doesnt cover up for you. The next main question is when did you pass your car test as you may also not be entitled to drive that vehicle without having taken a further test.
Stephen

It was in 93 i think, I have the required section on my licence... c1 and c1+e

that would be a bummer, never even had a parking ticket before!

Truvelo flashes are supposed to be IR, so as not to dazzle drivers at night by flashing in their faces. That said, I have seen a visible flash from these devices (not triggered by my I should add).

Wait a fortnight and see if anything happens.

just read in another thread about a 10% + 2mph for prosscution, i didnt go over 55, so is there a chance im in the clear...

I have and do drive cars and vans third party on my insurance, so would i not be covered?? or is this a misconception on my part?

No, not IR. They are conventional Xenon flashes fired through a magenta filter. If you are looking at one when they flash, or if you examine the photographs the magenta tinge is clear.

However most drivers report seeing a bright white flash. At first we thought that some - or many - of the cameras didn't have the filter fitted, but it seems that the eye isn't colour sensitive off-axis, so if you're not looking directly at the flash it appears white.

Anyone with appropriate filters and a flash gun want to test that theory on family members? You'll need a big dull environment so they don't see the flash colour on other parts of the scene...

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

Yes. Definitely a visible flash. Some say blinding.

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

all may not be lost then.... as definately no flashes....

Absolutely Correct.



(No disrespect to you Robin but) I find it amazing just how many people think our Truvelos emit IR. The only Truvelo camera utilising an IR flash is the D-Cam which is not used in the UK.




The one we all know and loathe is the Combi SMC, this one blinds you:




EDIT: I've just remembered this erroneous info (amongst other dodgy info) was on the 'speed trap bible' website, I guess this must be the source of the myth.

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

any comments on the situation with insurance?

just found out the vehicle has a GW of less than 7.5 tonnes although only just!

It depends on whether your insurance covers you for commercial use. I also hope you used your own tacho chart / card because that's another offence right there if you drove on his...

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Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

How about that then! Every day is a school day!

Anyone else think that flashing a bright light of any colour in a driver's eyes at night is more dangerous than not fining them a fortnight later for going a bit fast?

Don't be silly Robin - you know full well that speed kills!

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Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

One evening I cycled (yeah I really do cycle) to one of the more $a£ety oriented truvelos and observed the reaction of drivers who are flashed - the majority perform a full-on emergency (by which I mean 'panic') brake!

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

looked at insurance doesnt mention comercial..... and yes on his tacho card, looks like doing someone a favour, could be a tad problematic if i get any comeback from this....

bang goes 15 years of clean licence....

The tacho issue will get both of you AND his employer in trouble... the fines are pretty hefty too.

Just hope that you weren't pinged...
Edited to add - was your mate actually working of had he borrowed the truck for his own personal use? If its not being used for hire or reward then you don't actually need a tacho, and as its not actually commercial use then your insurance should be OK.

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Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

If you were doing an indicated 55 then in reality you were probably only doing 50-52mph, so in a 50 limit you'll be fine.

Aren't there special speed limits for larger vehicles? not sure what they are for 7.5 tonners, but for HGVs it's 50mph on a dual carriageway and 40 on a single so you should still be ok

Your first problem is you were using someone elses Tacho chart, this is punishable by a hefty fine for falsification of a tacho chart + your mates employer may face charges of allowing it to happen .

Your mate might be prosecuted for aiding and abetting the offences as well and to rub salt in the wound he could very likely loose his job!

Second problem is as you were not employed by the company you will most likely NOT be insured by the company.

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"There But For The Grace of God Go I"

"He Who Ain,t Made Mistakes Ain,t Made Anything"

Spannernut

Goods vehicles (HC 103)
(not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) 50 60 70(60 if articulated or towing a trailer )( SC/DC/M/Way)


But only heard of Gatso's being dual speed - anyone know ( as in my neck of woods dual settings are a nice little earner)

How would truvelos know the difference between cars and lorries? They rely on strips in the road not radar.

Presumably all is fine.