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Desperation and Intimidation from the Police
BBC news; 13th September 2006, reports that: "ACPO [Association of Chief Police Officers] is introducing a team made up of a lawyer and a former police officer to help prosecute speed camera cases.
The association hopes motorists will avoid contesting their speeding charge because if they lose, their costs will include up to £4,000 for the cost of the team."[1]
Safe Speed points out that such intimidation tactics are unacceptable and illegal since costs in court cases 'should not be disproportionate'. [2]
Paul Smith, of the Safe Speed road safety campaign (http://www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "These tactics stink of desperation and intimidation. I presume that too many people are fighting speeding tickets and that it interfering with the flow of money from speed cameras.”
“I am disgusted that, in efforts to enforce petty regulations against us that the Police in this country are now prepared to bend the law for reasons of intimidation and expediency."
"Speed cameras are wrong, wrong, wrong and do not make the roads safer. Now we have wrong, wrong, wrong intimidation tactics from the Police. Effectively they are saying - don't bother us - you are guilty.”
“But countless thousands of erroneous speeding tickets are issued each year and motorists are entitled to proper justice."
"The war of technicalities waged against the motorist is out of control. The original objective of improving road safety has long been forgotten by both sides."
"I urge every motorist who may have a valid defence in law to challenge their speeding ticket. Do not be intimidated. You are entitled to justice."
[1] BBC News website: Here
[2] Magistrate's court sentencing guidelines Page 88: Here [given the force of law in the Court of Appeal]
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