InvIs Inc
05-08-2005, 03:33 PM
just some speed camera news for those who use origin b2 and a few other speed camera news= government scams
Origin has made enquiries with the Dept for Transport (DfT) which has confirmed that the government is broadly supportive of the use of GPS systems like the Origin b2 to warn drivers of speed camera sites and other accident blackspots.
However, all products capable of detecting or interfering with laser or radar signals will become illegal to use or carry in a car, if, as expected, the proposed Road Safety Bill is made law in 2006. The Origin b2 comes with a laser detector which is easily removable, meaning users can benefit from the maximum protection allowed by the law both before and after the new bill.
Some speed trap warning systems seem sure to be banned however, so anyone considering alternative products would be well advised to check carefully whether they can still legally be used next year.
GOVERNMENT U-TURN OVER SPEED FINES
The UK government is going to abandon its plan to cut penalty points from three to two and the fine from £60 to £40 for motorists caught doing up to 39mph in a 30mph zone.
A consultation exercise by the Department for Transport (DfT) found that 52 per cent of people were in favour of varying the penalty according to speed. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Highways Agency and the Association of Local Government among others were opposed.
The DfT has said: "Particular concern was expressed in regard to the 30mph speed limit where such a reduction was believed to run counter to the road safety messages issued over many years by the department as well as seemingly contradicting research results."
Nevertheless, the government is still planning to introduce lower penalties on roads with higher limits. On a 40mph road the penalty would be two points for speeds up to 50mph. Graduated penalties, proposed in the Road Safety Bill, would also introduce tougher punishment for drivers breaking the limit. Those doing 57mph or more in a 40mph limit would receive six points and a £100 fine.
OFFICIAL - SPEED CAMERAS ARE FALLIBLE
A speed camera operator has admitted that under certain circumstances speed cameras can make mistakes.
A case in point was when a bus driver from Ipswich was caught 'speeding' at 81mph. His tachograph showed he was doing a mere 29mph! This error was due to the radar beam being deflected from the bus and then bounced back from a vehicle moving in the opposite direction. It is the same principle used to disguise US Air Force Stealth Bombers.
Although this phenomenon is rare, the Institute for Advanced Motorists has called for an overhaul of checking procedures by speed camera operators. It said that operators have an obligation to ensure the system is 'robust' because of potential consequences for motorists.
Operator Terry Marsh of Suffolk SafeCam said this kind of review was not necessary. Regarding the case of the bus driver, he said: "In this case the operator has made a mistake. Whether he fell asleep when doing the checking or whether he accidentally clicked the button marked 'prosecute' when he meant to click the button marked 'no further action' I don't know."
Origin has made enquiries with the Dept for Transport (DfT) which has confirmed that the government is broadly supportive of the use of GPS systems like the Origin b2 to warn drivers of speed camera sites and other accident blackspots.
However, all products capable of detecting or interfering with laser or radar signals will become illegal to use or carry in a car, if, as expected, the proposed Road Safety Bill is made law in 2006. The Origin b2 comes with a laser detector which is easily removable, meaning users can benefit from the maximum protection allowed by the law both before and after the new bill.
Some speed trap warning systems seem sure to be banned however, so anyone considering alternative products would be well advised to check carefully whether they can still legally be used next year.
GOVERNMENT U-TURN OVER SPEED FINES
The UK government is going to abandon its plan to cut penalty points from three to two and the fine from £60 to £40 for motorists caught doing up to 39mph in a 30mph zone.
A consultation exercise by the Department for Transport (DfT) found that 52 per cent of people were in favour of varying the penalty according to speed. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Highways Agency and the Association of Local Government among others were opposed.
The DfT has said: "Particular concern was expressed in regard to the 30mph speed limit where such a reduction was believed to run counter to the road safety messages issued over many years by the department as well as seemingly contradicting research results."
Nevertheless, the government is still planning to introduce lower penalties on roads with higher limits. On a 40mph road the penalty would be two points for speeds up to 50mph. Graduated penalties, proposed in the Road Safety Bill, would also introduce tougher punishment for drivers breaking the limit. Those doing 57mph or more in a 40mph limit would receive six points and a £100 fine.
OFFICIAL - SPEED CAMERAS ARE FALLIBLE
A speed camera operator has admitted that under certain circumstances speed cameras can make mistakes.
A case in point was when a bus driver from Ipswich was caught 'speeding' at 81mph. His tachograph showed he was doing a mere 29mph! This error was due to the radar beam being deflected from the bus and then bounced back from a vehicle moving in the opposite direction. It is the same principle used to disguise US Air Force Stealth Bombers.
Although this phenomenon is rare, the Institute for Advanced Motorists has called for an overhaul of checking procedures by speed camera operators. It said that operators have an obligation to ensure the system is 'robust' because of potential consequences for motorists.
Operator Terry Marsh of Suffolk SafeCam said this kind of review was not necessary. Regarding the case of the bus driver, he said: "In this case the operator has made a mistake. Whether he fell asleep when doing the checking or whether he accidentally clicked the button marked 'prosecute' when he meant to click the button marked 'no further action' I don't know."