Speed traps

JP1978

I am not going to read the full thread but from the OP - I am making the assumption here that if there was a sign on a bend to say 30mph then;

a/ the 30mph speed will be an advisory speed limit and
b/ the normal speed limit will be higher.

If thats the case, you will not be prosecuted, the 30mph sign, if indeed an advisory is not enforceable - although it would be viewed dimly in the event of a prosecution if you slid off the road or otherwise been prosecuted for careless driving, but not an offence in its own right.

https://www.advanced-driving.co.uk/sign/uk-road-sign-test-3/

If it says the words 'Max Speed' and '30mph' then its advisory. If it is a round sign with 30 (white sign, red circle) then its the posted speed limit for that road and must be obeyed.

JP1978

Re the willy waving going on in the thread about the placement of the speed cameras and signage - most of the 'rules' that people cite are not backed up in law - they were once guidance issued by ACPO (association of chief police officers) in the siting and operation of both fixed and mobile cameras. Note the word 'Guidance' it is purely that.

You only have to google horsebox speed camera to see the Welsh police siting a camera in a horse box at the side of the road - and is fully legal.

Basically, it doesnt matter where they are sited, if the officer is in high viz, plain or marked car - they can catch speeders with hand held laser devices or by camera/lasers housed in the back of a safety camera partnership van however, or wherever they like.

Peoples assumption that they must be signed and in hiviz etc is the very reason so many people STILL get caught by them

AndyMc.....

JP1978 wrote: »

Re the willy waving going on in the thread about the placement of the speed cameras and signage - most of the 'rules' that people cite are not backed up in law - they were once guidance issued by ACPO (association of chief police officers) in the siting and operation of both fixed and mobile cameras. Note the word 'Guidance' it is purely that.

You only have to google horsebox speed camera to see the Welsh police siting a camera in a horse box at the side of the road - and is fully legal.

Basically, it doesnt matter where they are sited, if the officer is in high viz, plain or marked car - they can catch speeders with hand held laser devices or by camera/lasers housed in the back of a safety camera partnership van however, or wherever they like.

Peoples assumption that they must be signed and in hiviz etc is the very reason so many people STILL get caught by them

Legally they don't have to be.

deaston

JP1978 wrote: »

Basically, it doesnt matter where they are sited, if the officer is in high viz, plain or marked car - they can catch speeders with hand held laser devices or by camera/lasers housed in the back of a safety camera partnership van however, or wherever they like.

But fixed speed cameras have to be visible (ie painted yellow), is that correct? Do you know the reasons why fixed cameras have to be visible whereas, from what you're saying, speed traps can be hidden?

AndyMc.....

deaston wrote: »

But fixed speed cameras have to be visible (ie painted yellow), is that correct? Do you know the reasons why fixed cameras have to be visible whereas, from what you're saying, speed traps can be hidden?

They don't have to be yellow.

Car_54

deaston wrote: »

But fixed speed cameras have to be visible (ie painted yellow), is that correct? Do you know the reasons why fixed cameras have to be visible whereas, from what you're saying, speed traps can be hidden?

There is no reason, because it's not true.

As numerous posters have already pointed out, there are NO regulations requiring cameras or policemen to be conspicuous, nor for signs.

AndyMc.....

Car_54 wrote: »

There is no reason, because it's not true.

As numerous posters have already pointed out, there are NO regulations requiring cameras or policemen to be conspicuous, nor for signs.

There was something a few years ago when they went from grey to yellow. It was something to do with the revenue being ploughed back into buying new cameras.

ElefantEd

deaston wrote: »

Maybe going 5mph over the limit isn't exactly going to be the difference between life and death in a crash,

Actually it could be. There is substantially more kinetic energy in a car going at 35mph than 30 mph. Faster always means a higher probability of dying or being seriously injured in a crash. Basic physics.

Which doesn't mean that we all have to drive around at 3mph all the time; but it does mean that we should understand and be mindful of the trade off between speed and safety, and realise that speed limits are there for a good reason.

Robisere

Mandatory Speed Limits are there for a reason: not to raise revenue, but because that part of the highway is considered dangerous at any speed above that limit. Breaking the limit and being caught, means paying the penalty.

I should know: 5 years ago, I was caught twice in 8 months, and paid the penalty in both cases. I did not moan about it (well ok, only in private!) and I did not attempt to evade the law in any way. I certainly did not whinge about it on a public forum. The first case was 37 in a 30 limit, second was 76 in a 70 limit.

I vowed to always obey the speed limit again and I have kept to that. Helped by cars with cruise control and speed limiters.

Muscle750

Up near coventry last year the plod were using a unmarked skoda coming off a roundabout then slowing down encouraging people to overtake and guess what............a hundred yards down the road a layby with a speed van in it . It was witnessed by the same people two days running doing it