NO DANGER TO TRAFFIC OR PEOPLE – BUT R1500 PENALTY

The law book on drink driving, speeding, parking and dangerous driving offences follows strict guidelines which prosecutions must comply with in terms of procedure, legislation and correct operation of specified and approved equipment. Any one of these areas can provide a weak link for us to challenge if there are grounds of malpractice.

On the other hand, the book is also full of widely unknown pitfalls just waiting for you to fall into. For example, did you know that you risk receiving a fine if you display a valid parking ticket along with expired ones? Crazy I know but traffic wardens are exploiting this legal loophole despite pledges from the Government ensuring motorists that Councils should not use parking enforcement measures as moneymaking schemes. Before we know it, we’ll have speed cameras issuing fines to parked cars! Oh wait…we have.

Although a bit of a blunder, this is exactly what happened to Jeff Bucks from Nottingham who received two speeding fines for not speeding. In fact, his car wasn’t moving at all. Instead, Jeff was the unfortunate victim of a mix-up where his car, which was parked in front of a GATSO camera, was mistaken for the real offender.

Thankfully Jeff successfully contested the charges and received a letter of apology. More importantly, a Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson confirmed that staff were being given guidance about the importance of verifying images correctly. Even the police admit that mistakes do happen and if you feel that you’re the recipient of one of these mistakes, make sure you get in touch with us.

By Chris Sweetman of Sweetmans Solicitors, specialists in defending drink driving, speeding, parking and dangerous driving offences.