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ossymal · 01-03-2006, 08:14

Thought you would all be interested in this latest headline:

Speed Camera Flaw Claims

Updated: 05:49, Wednesday March 01, 2006

Nearly all speed camera prosecutions are based on inadmissible evidence, according to a motorcycle magazine.

Motor Cycle News claims camera operators are breaching the Criminal Justice Act by not providing photo or video evidence of an alleged offence at least seven days before a trial.

The publication's news editor, Tony Carter, said Motor Cycle News has contacted the three biggest areas which run the speed camera partnerships.

He said: "All the partnerships said 'Evidence isn't automatically submitted'.

"The problem for most people accused of speeding is they won't realise that this fact of law, which our investigation has uncovered, can render the evidence inadmissible in court."
A spokeswoman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said Motor Cycle News' story was incorrect.

She said: "There are two separate issues, the first relates to when a motorist receives notification that they've been detected by a speed camera and they wish to view the evidence relevant to that offence.

"They would then normally submit a request to the safety camera partnership to view that evidence which may be sent to them by post or alternatively arrangements may be made to view the evidence at a police station.

"The second issue relates to when a motorist chooses to have their case heard before a magistrates court and enters a plea of not guilty to the specific offence. Under these circumstances, there are strict procedures laid down in the Criminal Procedures Act 1996 to which the police service fully adheres."

The spokeswoman said Motor Cycle News had "confused" the two issues.

01-03-2006, 08:14	#42
ossymal Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 44 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Update on Speed Cameras Thought you would all be interested in this latest headline: Speed Camera Flaw Claims Updated: 05:49, Wednesday March 01, 2006 Nearly all speed camera prosecutions are based on inadmissible evidence, according to a motorcycle magazine. Motor Cycle News claims camera operators are breaching the Criminal Justice Act by not providing photo or video evidence of an alleged offence at least seven days before a trial. The publication's news editor, Tony Carter, said Motor Cycle News has contacted the three biggest areas which run the speed camera partnerships. He said: "All the partnerships said 'Evidence isn't automatically submitted'. "The problem for most people accused of speeding is they won't realise that this fact of law, which our investigation has uncovered, can render the evidence inadmissible in court." A spokeswoman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said Motor Cycle News' story was incorrect. She said: "There are two separate issues, the first relates to when a motorist receives notification that they've been detected by a speed camera and they wish to view the evidence relevant to that offence. "They would then normally submit a request to the safety camera partnership to view that evidence which may be sent to them by post or alternatively arrangements may be made to view the evidence at a police station. "The second issue relates to when a motorist chooses to have their case heard before a magistrates court and enters a plea of not guilty to the specific offence. Under these circumstances, there are strict procedures laid down in the Criminal Procedures Act 1996 to which the police service fully adheres." The spokeswoman said Motor Cycle News had "confused" the two issues.