I note a forthcoming challenge to the validity of laser speed readings on motorcyclists, on the basis that the hand-held and speed van lasers used have never been tested for accuracy on motorcycles. An appeal hearing is taking place on the 16th March 2006 at Nottingham Crown Court to decide the issue.
As a veteran of challenges to devices, my bet is that they will be found to be reliable. Consider not only the cost of replacing all the devices, but also processing all the applications for convictions to be overturned…
by Ruthie
Ruthie,
What is the basis for challenging the asssumption of equivalence between motorcycles and other vehicles? Geeklawyer’s assumption, as a physicist, is that reflected radar waves would not differ between a motorcycle or any other moving surface reflecting electromagnetic wave?
Yes, Geeklawyer would love to see some argument that the smaller surface area of a motorcycle makes the readings for a motorcycle inherantly less ‘reliable’ than for a car or van but he doubts it.
In the meantime he will rely on ‘tiny’ numberplates covered in road dirt that unintentionally obfuscates the readability of the plate.
Well you and I both know that, but it remains to be seen whether the Judge at Nottingham Crown Court knows. With any case to be decided on a technicality the outcome often hangs on the quality of the expert evidence on either side. But I doubt that you will be offering your services to the prosecution!
Unfortunately I must also warn you that there is to be a crackdown on illegal numberplates, with a proposal that the penalty be increased to both a fine and penalty points.
This is in preparation for the national roll out of the national automatic number plate recognition system..
I read an article in one of last Sunday’s newspapers about a hand held laser device that was found not to be reliable due to “hand-shake” leading to false readings. Can any one help me to remember what the device was and within which court the decision was made. Cheers
Unfortunately not an article with which I am familiar. I will do some research, but if anyone else has any information I would be most interested.