One morning whilst walking my dog I came across a Mobile Speed Camera Van doing what it does best, Thieving Our Money!!
OK, I know that there are people out there that will be shouting, “it is there for our safety”. Maybe this is true to some extent, but I have started to notice that they are cropping up in all sorts of areas where there are no traffic incidents.
My real objection is that they are being used more and more as easy revenue!
With regards to what I came across (Click on Image to enlarge) I was concerned about the following:
Speed Warning Signs
My understanding was that if a Mobile Speed Camera was operating in a certain areas, they had to place signs at certain distances from the vehicle to warn drivers?
Traffic Offences
I was under the impression that it is a traffic offence to mount the curb?
I also believe that it is a traffic offence to park a vehicle within a certain distance from a corner?
Police Markings
The vehicle was marked on the rear with POLICE. When I questioned the driver/operator of the vehicle, he said that he was not a police officer. Surely there has to be something seriously wrong with this? What if there was an emergency and someone thought that a vehicle marked POLICE would be there to assist?
OK I am no Road Traffic Act expert, but surely it is wrong to commit an offence whilst trying to generate more income?
Anyway I put my points to Dorset Road Safe
“Dear John
Further to your enquiry in relation to the above;
There are as you would expect various procedures in relation to deploying a mobile camera. We have different procedures dependent on the type of camera we deploy. To answer you specific points;
A mobile camera van should always be parked legally. It is important to remember that our vans have the same dispensations as the Police ie. they are able to park on verges and some clearways. You will find they will have exemptions from normal parking regulations which have been given by the respective local authority.
There is no requirement for camera warning signs in law. You may find camera warning signs at certain locations, but they are merely advisory to inform a motorist either of a static camera or the possible presence of a mobile camera. They are not mandatory.
I hope the above is helpful, but should you have any further queries please contact me.
Thank you for contacting Dorset Road Safe.
Yours sincerely
Mark Armstrong
Enforcement Manager
Dorset Road Safe
SEES
Dorset Police
(: 01305 227557
(: 760 557 (Internal)
8: Mark.Armstrong@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk”
If you know what the actual law is regarding my points, then please do comment below.
