I am writing with regard to the above notice issued on 11th July which being a law abiding citizen I have paid.
The reason for my writing is to express my concern and the legality of the Sighting of the Mobile speed camera at The Fossbridge on the A419.
I have tried to contact the Speed camera Office on 01452303317 on 29th July and was forwarded to voicemail where I left a message and my telephone number and to date have not received the courtesy of a reply.
My issues are as follows and based purely on the reasons you state that the camera was in place namely safety.
§ At the time of the incident I entered the 40 mph limit and slowed to this speed as I came round the bend I accelerated to get up the hill and pass some lorries that were going slowly in the inside lane. Whilst I accept the evidence of the camera this does not suggest a safety issue as I was doing what is taught in all advanced driving manuals including I believe your own to accelerate past slow or Stationery objects smoothly and safely and as quickly as possible bearing in mind the road conditions and traffic.
§ The camera Van was parked on the hill, also on a bend and blocking the vision of the House driveway and the turning just past it. This is a violation Of Section 217 of the Highway Code reproduced as follows, with the pertinent sections highlighted. On page 2.
217: DO NOT park your vehicle or trailer on the road where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. For example, do not stop
· near a school entrance
· anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
· at or near a bus stop or taxi rank
· on the approach to a level crossing
· opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
· near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
· opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
· where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
· where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users
· in front of an entrance to a property
· on a bend.
If as you say the cameras are for safety then by definition those cameras must obey basic rules and be sighted safely otherwise the view that they are there purely for revenue collection as opposed to safety is enforced and enhanced. The Camera van was parked on an exit road off the A429 blocking the view of any Cars exiting the house or the turning and wishing to turn right in the direction of Cirencester and not within the distances as stated in Item 217 of the Highway Code. This area is not a designated parking area.
This then states to me that this camera was in an illegal and unsafe position and invalidates this and all other speeding offences it has recorded.
I would appreciate a full written reply ensuring that you cover the items I have mentioned and not just a standard policy reply on the sighting of these cameras. I would appreciate also you contacting the Camera office asking them to ensure that when a reasonable complaint is made politely and succinctly they do what they are meant to do and reply to that question in a clear concise and timely manner. I trust that these vans are instructed to park within the law otherwise they are as guilty as the persons they catch speeding.
Yours faithfully
K. J. Parsons
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Live for Today as yesterday has gone and tomorow might never arrive
Replies
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:19:23
Martin 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Posts: 3628
Location:
Kent
United Kingdom
Good luck :o)
The answer should be interesting ...
I just hope it arrives this year ... !!!
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Martin :o)
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:31:13
ton_up 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Monday, November 08, 2004
Posts: 527
Location:
Lincolnshire
United Kingdom
Nice one!
Since ur in that area, I'm riding down to Cirencester on the 8th August, is there any flooding or bad roads that I should avoid?? Would be grateful of any advice.
Thanks xx
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Rossi for Prime Minister, Toseland for Deputy
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:32:11
ton_up 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Monday, November 08, 2004
Posts: 527
Location:
Lincolnshire
United Kingdom
Of course it would help if I told you where from - doh!!
From Lincoln
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Rossi for Prime Minister, Toseland for Deputy
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:33:37
the_ox 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Posts: 8803
Location:
London
United Kingdom
Interesting, Today I observed a TFL Transit van parked on Double Red lines. Which means no stopping at any time..................Their reason to stop on said Red lines, to screw up new Red Route Warning Signs.
As it is now against the law to hold a mobile phone and use it whilst driving i was unable to photograph this incident.
Once again one law for the rulers one for us.
Ps, A member of the public did photograph a TFL Congestion charge Transit van on double yellows and posted it on the net a while back. Of course nothing came of the event.
Shakes head and walks off.
Good luck Ken
Pls let us know the result
--
Try being truthful, its the thing to do
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 21:36:07
kenp1947 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Posts: 771
Location:
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Will post answer if and when I receive it dont hold your breath tho LOL
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Live for Today as yesterday has gone and tomorow might never arrive
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-31 09:23:06
smileysal 750cc Boy Racer
Joined:
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Posts: 167
Location:
Shrewsbury
United Kingdom
I'd give a week and if you have no reply forward it to the press!
--
If a smiley just passed you.........it's me!!!!
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-31 13:21:39
kenp1947 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Posts: 771
Location:
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Yes that was my way of thinking as well sal
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Live for Today as yesterday has gone and tomorow might never arrive
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-07 11:00:41
Ninja38 125cc Learner
Joined:
Monday, August 06, 2007
Posts: 15
Location:
London
United Kingdom
Hey Ken,
Good for you mate great letter.
Just remember the plod ALWAYS have there own rules.
My friend got caught on a speed camera that nobody knew was there including me. No warning signs. Its on a long stretch of road that goes from 40, then to 70. So you can imagine they wanted to throw the book at him. He managed to get someone from the authority to go down to the hot spot and asked them where the damn speed camera was - ALSO ARMED WITH HIS MOTORBIKE CAMERA taping all the evidence lol. They eventually found it in the middle of some trees covered up. The very embarrassed Authority withdrew the fine immediately. The next day the trees were cut back so the camera was visible and speed camera warning sign put up. One to the bikers lol. Slows you down now on what was a lovely stretch of road.
Ninja38
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I feel the need for speed
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-07 19:26:27
SMOKE 1200cc Race Star
Joined:
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Posts: 486
Location:
Blackwood Wales
United Kingdom
I never speed!
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Sir we have just seen you travelling at 110mph......nah wasnt me Id never ride that slow!! RIDE OR DIE
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-08 01:04:29
gixxer 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Posts: 1563
Location:
sheffield
United Kingdom
ive got a mate , and whenever he gets a speeding camera fine , surprisingly ,his bike was being 'borrowed' by his eyetie mate , who coincidentally is now back in italy so he forwards his address onto 'them', he never pays tho, dont think they even bother writing ,and they can do F**K all about it, ah well, poor little piggy wigs...(wonder if they do a visa versa?), another chap registers his bike to a mate who has no intention of riding or driving anything, but is the registeed keeper, said mate is named driver, he pays fine mate takes points, all this is lies of course or hypothetical or summat like that.
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'it wasnt me! i only just got here!'
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-08 14:16:56
kenp1947 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Posts: 771
Location:
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Well letter was sent recorded delivery on 31st July still have not received a reply looks like a forward job to press me thinks
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Live for Today as yesterday has gone and tomorow might never arrive
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-08 16:08:59
the_ox 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Posts: 8803
Location:
London
United Kingdom
We write to the police all the time with details of our customers and URN`s. The suggested time span for replies is 14 days.
I would suggest you wait another 7 days before putting this in the press. It could otherwise affect your appeal.
cheers
--
Try being truthful, its the thing to do
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-09 09:36:28
kenp1947 1300cc Superstar
Joined:
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Posts: 771
Location:
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Cheers OXO Will Do
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Live for Today as yesterday has gone and tomorow might never arrive
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:07:54
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-30 20:19:23
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-07-31 09:23:06
A letter to the Police - Posted on 2007-08-08 01:04:29
