Worried - Handheld Speed Camera

Suggs

Ok I admit it Im worried. Mainly because I am on 9 points and paranoid.

I was driving in Bedfordshire last night about 8.15pm, in a 30 zone. I saw a police car parkd on the opposite side of the road, then to my left on the side of the road I saw a Police Officer, no hi-vi jacket on. It appeared he was brushing sometime of his shoes, then he looked up and pointed a handheld speed laser gun:eek: I guess, I am pretty certian I was either on or a little bit over the 30mph, as it was as soon as I saw him I lifted off the gas.

Know I now I am paranoid.

Could I have been photgraphed and likely to be prosecuted? or was this simply a gun and if I wasnt pulled over at the time, I shouldnt worry?
Like I say I am on 9 points, 3 of which come off in 5 weeks time, 3 more in six months, would this effect the possible court proceedings?
How long would the speed gun be need to be held steady to register the correct speed?

Sorry to ask, I have searched MSE (coming up blank for my questions) and Google, not very clear.

Thanks for your help.

piggeh

I think they would pull you over at the time. I dont think handheld laser guns take photos at all so unless it was a mobile camera van, then they wouldnt have anyway of knowing who was driving if they didnt pull you over and ID you.

Bossyboots

I thought they pulled you over if you were caught with one of these. From the description it sounds very unlikely you have been.

In answer to your other question, it is the points on your licence at the date of an offence that are counted so if you have been caught this time round you will be classed as having 9 points on your licence.

hjb123

I dont think that if the policeman is holding a laser speed gun or whatever they are called at the side of the road that he will pull you over - if you were speeding then you are more likely to hear through the post - within the next 14 days.

skintas_2

i got flashed by a camera friday on the a4 so im def gonna get points and a fine, it was my own fault, first time in 3 years to busy rushing ,,,,, im waitng for my fine anyday

mrcow

I got caught speeding in a 50 limit with a hand held gun three years ago.

I wasn't pulled over and was sent a standard £60 fine plus 3 points penalty through the post.

Suggs

Oh well, I was hoping against hope really. Like I said I was pretty sure I wasnt that much over the limit, if anything at all. Plus as I mentioned the handheld speed gun was barely level and steady.

What will be will be I guess.

Thanks for your help and advice

madduck

Perhaps you will be ok, but I was caught in similar circumstances on a motorway speeding a year or so ago. Just saw the police car sitting in police layby place just off hard shoulder but didn't quite slow down soon enough. Was just a couple of days before I went on holiday, but guess what was waiting for me behind the door when I got back - lovely letter from my local police force. At least I only got 3 points/£60 for doing 86. If I hadn't hit the breaks when I did - could have been a ban!

Can't remember when points become effective from - is it from when you admit that you were driving or from the date of the offence?

steady__eddie

Several years ago I was returning home in the early hours at a leisurely 32/33 when I saw a figure in the shadows take aim at me. I put my foot down and tear*rs*d up the road. I then saw the flashing blue in my mirror so I immediately pulled over. I was manhandled out of my car, I reckon they must have thought that I was Lord Lucan and it was only when I produced my i.d. card and told them that I was a squaddie on leave from Belfast and that my course of action was the recommended one in those circumstances that they relented. Was gonna put a claim in for a new car seat cover but never got round to it.

hjb123

Sure its effective from the date of the offence - thats the date that gets put on the license!

mrcow

Mine wasn't.

I got caught in late Feb 03 and took ages to send off my license for the points (I needed to hang onto it for some reason or other at the time), so the penalty is dated June 03 on my actual license.