Friday, Mar 16, 2007 at 00:30
Not all Vic gov ones are verified by pictures - eg. the mobile ones mounted on the side of vehicles.
It is one thing, that with my scientific background, that annoys me - every scientific device has an accuracy figure, which is usually a complex figure that varies in the circumstances, so temperature, operating time, speed, etc., might influence the accuracy which might be +/- 0.1% of +/- 5.0% (say). This information could be very relevant, particularly in Vic where they'll ping you for a couple over.
I am almost certain that when I was done on the Western Highway more than a year ago now (near
Stawell) by a mobile device the operator got it wrong because there were two other vehicles around and the device was not reading my speed effectively. Interestingly, despite refusing my objections top the notice twice, and my election to see them in court, they have not pursued it, and I have been told unofficially won't be.
BTW, There is quite a bit of information on the web about Victorian Speed cameras including a review - from memory, Auditor General's Department.
Unfortunately, however, it seems to be the accepted wisdom in courts all over this fine country, that a policeman handling a scientific instrument on his own with little training and no knowledge of the science, and with few requirements to check his reading, will have his word accepted over individual turkeys like me, and we are effectively giulty until proven innocent. From memory some of their cameras are using multiple technologies - so there is a check and balance there, but in the case of the mobile guys, whatever the reading is on his display, that applies to whomever he wishes it to.
Cheers
Andrew.
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