10 December 2010

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

| Kan
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I would like to know what are my chances of avoiding a speeding fine? I haven’t been booked for 18 years, so I was surprised when the notice arrived in the mail this week.

A speed camera snapped a photo of my car allegedly travelling 70km in a 60km zone.

In NSW (where I used to live) if you write an apologetic letter explaining that you are normally a law abiding citizen and haven’t been booked for ages, the police are sympathetic enough to drop the fine.

A few friends have done this and their fines were cancelled.

Do ACT police also show this type of leniency or should I not bother and just pay the fine?

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Mr Gillespie said :

bjnetzone said :

Mr Gillespie said :

alloneword said :

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras[1], but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times[2].

2 flaws in this argument.

1. Not practical when someone BEHIND YOU is trying to get past. It is rude and inconsiderate to hold people up this way — you are wasting other people’s time and causing unnecessary frustration on others this way. Not wise.
2. Why? What you are saying is stay under the speed limit when there are NO SPEED CAMERAS OR POLICE SPEED GUNS AROUND????

No flaws that I can see. Stay at (or under) the speed limit. If the people behind you get shirty, so the hell what? I’m not going to cop a fine just because the dropkick behind can’t hold his wad. Learn some patience, and get home in one piece, or pass me, and get home 5 seconds early, or, if you want to be a haemorrhoid, your brakes better be better than mine…

You ignorant fool…..

“SO THE HELL WHAT” NOTHING!!!!

It is rude and inconsiderate to hold other people up!!!

People like you dawdling at 65 in an 80 zone on a single lane road REALLY GIVE ME THE SHITS. They too should be fined!!! They are a MENACE!!!

No wonder there is so much road rage, with issues such as this being totally ignored!!

Who said I do 65 in an 80 zone? I drive “at” the speed limit (for people like you who have issues with reading, let alone driving). I’m not going to go faster than the speed limit for you, so get over your “shits” and learn some patience before you kill yourself, or worse yet, someone else.

Kan said :

apparently ACT cameras aren’t appropriately tested. Could mean some of these cameras are faulty? How about that!

Yes, so write your letter, hold on to it and any response as evidence, and hope for your ship to come in one day like what happened with the Vic Govt example you gave.

But in the meantime, pay the fine.

Kan said :

In reference to the other comments about speeding, I believe it’s a myriad of factors that cause accidents…. I don’t know what the answer is on how to stop dangerous driving but I know that just targeting speeding isn’t going to solve the accident tally on our roads.

A myriad of factors, of which speeding is one, and a target able and enforceable one as you point out – so it follows that you do what you can.

Mr Gillespie said :

It is rude and inconsiderate to hold other people up!!!

People like you dawdling at 65 in an 80 zone on a single lane road REALLY GIVE ME THE SHITS. They too should be fined!!! They are a MENACE!!!

No wonder there is so much road rage, with issues such as this being totally ignored!!

The faster car can wait for a second lane to open up, and go around. People who are not comfortable doing the speed of the car behind them should not speed just so as to not hold anyone up.

Remember, its called a speed LIMIT.

best of luck. because you’re not a P plater, male(?), or under 25, i’d say your chances are pretty good.

Hey JC it seems you need a few lessons in understanding plain English. Go back and read my comment again about admitting my guilt. Then you’ll realise I was referring to my speeding offence 18 years ago, not the recent fine. BTW you should read PantsMan’s comment – apparently ACT cameras aren’t appropriately tested. Could mean some of these cameras are faulty? How about that!

There’s also been a huge debate about drivers (especially me) going too slow. Normally I drive on the speed limit and I only drop 10km/h under the limit when I’m approaching a speed camera because I don’t trust the technology. If only I’d remember to do that a few weeks ago!

In reference to the other comments about speeding, I believe it’s a myriad of factors that cause accidents. While speed is an easy thing to target and monitor, it’s the other offenses that are being ignored – tailgating, not stopping at stop signs, not using indicators, chatting on the mobile etc. These offenses have nearly killed loved friends and family. Just recently, I visited a mate in Sydney who is recovering from a serious accident – she was driving 50km through an intersection when another car (the driver was talking on the mobile) turned right in front of her. Apparently the driver just didn’t see my friend! The driver has been charged with numerous offenses and now my friend has to endure a painful recovery because some idiot didn’t look where she was going.

I don’t know what the answer is on how to stop dangerous driving but I know that just targeting speeding isn’t going to solve the accident tally on our roads.

‘contend’

Mr Gillespie said :

[
You ignorant fool…..

“SO THE HELL WHAT” NOTHING!!!!

It is rude and inconsiderate to hold other people up!!!

People like you dawdling at 65 in an 80 zone on a single lane road REALLY GIVE ME THE SHITS. They too should be fined!!! They are a MENACE!!!

No wonder there is so much road rage, with issues such as this being totally ignored!!

You are correct to an extent. People going 15 or 20 below the limit can cause just as much danger on the road as someone speeding. However, I would content that many, if not all, serial tailgaters will tailgate someone doing 80 in an 80 zone, because their definition of 80 is closer to 88 or 90.

Someone at my work was charged with a high range speeding offense she was certain she did not do.

She got legal counsel, FOIed all the maintenance contracts testing logs of the cameras, and hey – guess what – the ACT Government and its contractors never actually tested or inspected the cameras according to the schedule. (I know it sounds crazy that the ACT Government f&^ked something up.)

Also, the AFP could not work out what provision of the act the camera was authorized under. That is, it was not an authorized testing device.

She got the DPP to drop the charges AND PAY SEVERAL THOUSANDS IN COSTS.

Mr Gillespie6:50 pm 11 Dec 10

bjnetzone said :

Mr Gillespie said :

alloneword said :

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras[1], but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times[2].

2 flaws in this argument.

1. Not practical when someone BEHIND YOU is trying to get past. It is rude and inconsiderate to hold people up this way — you are wasting other people’s time and causing unnecessary frustration on others this way. Not wise.
2. Why? What you are saying is stay under the speed limit when there are NO SPEED CAMERAS OR POLICE SPEED GUNS AROUND????

No flaws that I can see. Stay at (or under) the speed limit. If the people behind you get shirty, so the hell what? I’m not going to cop a fine just because the dropkick behind can’t hold his wad. Learn some patience, and get home in one piece, or pass me, and get home 5 seconds early, or, if you want to be a haemorrhoid, your brakes better be better than mine…

You ignorant fool…..

“SO THE HELL WHAT” NOTHING!!!!

It is rude and inconsiderate to hold other people up!!!

People like you dawdling at 65 in an 80 zone on a single lane road REALLY GIVE ME THE SHITS. They too should be fined!!! They are a MENACE!!!

No wonder there is so much road rage, with issues such as this being totally ignored!!

ricci said :

As usual, the “holier than thou” mob are out in force once again. They really are a pathetic bunch and a complete waste of space.

How is it pathetic to demand that people drive responsibly on our roads. About 1500 people die every year on Australian roads and another 32 000 are hospitalised. Most accidents could have been avoided if people actually treated driving like a serious thing by paying attention to their surroundings and following the rules.

Why do road crash statistics always point to the same causes of death and injury? Stop excusing your dangerous behaviour, start driving responsibly and stop having a go at those around you who are sick and tired of their lives being put at risk a***holes on the road

troll-sniffer3:51 pm 11 Dec 10

ricci said :

As usual, the “holier than thou” mob are out in force once again. They really are a pathetic bunch and a complete waste of space.

+1

I’m consistently telling myself I’m perfect, but even though I know I am as perfect as any human being can possibly get, I’m not as perfect as some of the RA contributors, who have probably already received their gold passes to get into heaven (at exactly the speed limit of course.)

As usual, the “holier than thou” mob are out in force once again. They really are a pathetic bunch and a complete waste of space.

If you have a clean driving record, you have a good chance of having a speeding TIN withdrawn (unless you’re a long way over the limit).

It’s definitely worth writing them a letter.

I got picked up by a fixed speed camera doing I think 92km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Barton highway one night. I wrote them an apologetic letter explaining the circumstances, they asked to see my Driving record (NSW provisional licence with no previous offences), and subsequently dropped the fine.

Yes write a letter, no hide, no Christmas box!

Your last para says it all, you have done something wrong, by your own admission, so cop it sweet. As for camera’s telling lies, yes there have been some cases where it has been well and truly proved, but that’s not the case in the ACT.

According to JC, cameras don’t lie. That’s not always the case – a few years ago the Victorian Government was forced to pay back tens of millions in fines because the cameras were faulty. Technology is not foolproof and it’s dangerous to think that it can solve all our problems.

BTW I am the first to admit when I’ve done something wrong. I did, decades ago, when I first got caught speeding but that was when real human beings (the police) booked drivers on the spot. I knew I was speeding, I lost points and paid the fine. I just accepted it. With this current situation, I am annoyed because I do the right thing and have done so for a long time. I reckon we should have the Swedish program that rewards good drivers. Check out this link….

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/904004–speed-camera-lottery-pays-drivers-for-slowing-down

Well Kan, there’s nothing to be lost by writing to them. If you do get leniency, I’m sure you’ll take it as a reminder to drive more carefully in the future.

No doubt there are genuine cases of momentary lapsed attention in unfamiliar areas that lead to fines which in the right circumstances should be subject to a favourable appeal.

Successful appeals should be recorded though, so if a pattern of behaviour emerges, appeals should have a “no dice” reply.

I wonder how many “I’ve never had a fine in over 20 years” have had numerous cautions in the past? First time for everything!

Kan said :

Thanks for the advice – I’ll be writing that letter today.

In response to comments about me not obeying the road rules. I used the word – allegedly – because I don’t believe I was speeding. When I am approaching a speed camera – I normally go 5-10km/h under the limit. That’s probably why I haven’t been booked for so long. On the day of my alleged offence, I was travelling the speed limit because I forgot there was a speed camera on that stretch of road – my mistake! I believe the camera in question is possibly faulty but I don’t have the resources to fight this issue in court. BTW my speedo has been checked – when it says 60km/h, it’s actually 54-55km.

So when you see a camera you drop 5-10km below? May I ask why? If your doing the speed limit then why drop even futher, especially as you already know your speed is 5km or so slower than your speedo.

Also what speed do you drive at when you DON’T see a camera? By the looks of it your speedo must have indicated about 75-80 to be done going 70km/h. I would suggest if you cannot prove the camera is wrong, just accept that you either a). cocked up (like we all do from time to time) or b). got caught out, either way “you did the crime” so pay the fine, the camera’s don’t lie.

Don’t know if I’m reposting here or what… last post has come up as ‘moderated’?

Anyway…

It isn’t that hard to not get a ticket. I have never received a speeding fine in my 15+ years of driving. I have driven around Australia, I drive between Brisbane and Canberra a number of times a year and between Canberra and Sydney at least once every couple of months.

I don’t drive below the limit. I drive on the limit. It isn’t a difficult skill and I have no time for people who claim otherwise.

And yes, doing 67 or 68 in a 60 zone is dangerous and should be punished accordingly. The speed exists so that you have time to react when something unexpected happens… a car pulls out when it shouldn’t, a kid runs out onto the road, etc.

In my lifetime I have witnessed children being hit by cars on 3 occasions. On every occassion the driver was probably sitting about 10 k’s over the limit and just didn’t have the time to react.

But we will continue to have people being apologists for ‘not really speeding’.

Mr Gillespie said :

alloneword said :

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras[1], but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times[2].

2 flaws in this argument.

1. Not practical when someone BEHIND YOU is trying to get past. It is rude and inconsiderate to hold people up this way — you are wasting other people’s time and causing unnecessary frustration on others this way. Not wise.
2. Why? What you are saying is stay under the speed limit when there are NO SPEED CAMERAS OR POLICE SPEED GUNS AROUND????

No flaws that I can see. Stay at (or under) the speed limit. If the people behind you get shirty, so the hell what? I’m not going to cop a fine just because the dropkick behind can’t hold his wad. Learn some patience, and get home in one piece, or pass me, and get home 5 seconds early, or, if you want to be a haemorrhoid, your brakes better be better than mine…

troll-sniffer said :

bjnetzone said :

We already have a reward factor – don’t speed, don’t get fined, don’t lose points. It’s pretty simple.

Yep just the sort of in-depth response I was expecting…

Then why ask stupid questions?

Ignorance of the law (not seeing a speed limit sign) isn’t an excuse. Get a new pair of glasses (for the “small” signs on Hindmarsh), or a decent GPS unit.

I love the argument that speeding fines are just a tax – this is always said by people who think they should be above the law and do what they like. It really is a pitiful argument.

creative_canberran4:45 pm 10 Dec 10

It can be avoided. At least, I’ve avoided it doing 80 in a 60 zone. Not sure why he didn’t issue the ticket.

Mr Gillespie said :

alloneword said :

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras[1], but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times[2].

2 flaws in this argument.

1. Not practical when someone BEHIND YOU is trying to get past. It is rude and inconsiderate to hold people up this way — you are wasting other people’s time and causing unnecessary frustration on others this way. Not wise.
2. Why? What you are saying is stay under the speed limit when there are NO SPEED CAMERAS OR POLICE SPEED GUNS AROUND????

sorry, but i don’t understand your first demolition of the argument – are you suggesting that some bogan moron behind you wanting to speed ought to make you speed to accommodate them? i am being inconsiderate for, let me get this straight, obeying the road rules?

and no, on the second point, alloneword is saying that it is a good idea never to speed, but was being non-pushy about it, proffering a suggestion rather than an edict.

so, two flaws in your argument – wait, that’s be all of it…

What you seek to do – grasshopper – is to do what cannot be done.

Seriously, I didn’t get one withdrawn exactly, but the AFP failed to provide any evidence to the DPP when it went to court.

What I did was wrote multiple letters seeking withrawal, then just picked holes all through the AFP’s consideration of my request. They broke the law in about 7 different ways by not even making a decision (because they said they did not have to because I had indicated that I would cotest it), failed to consider natural justice/procedual fairness issues etc. It’s worth, in my opinion, writing letters etc. If you can find ay faul in anything they’ve done, write back and asked them to make the decision again, have another officer review it, complain to the Ombudsman… Never really was an issue about whether I actually did the offence.

If you are as small minded as me, then give that a go.

PS: I speed all the time, never get caught, and don’t care! (Said it – saves you all deriding me later.)

bjnetzone said :

Agree that driving a WRX should be an offence, along with Holden Utes.

Double the demerit points and fine if the ute has Chevy badges on it.

Mr Gillespie2:46 pm 10 Dec 10

alloneword said :

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras[1], but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times[2].

2 flaws in this argument.

1. Not practical when someone BEHIND YOU is trying to get past. It is rude and inconsiderate to hold people up this way — you are wasting other people’s time and causing unnecessary frustration on others this way. Not wise.
2. Why? What you are saying is stay under the speed limit when there are NO SPEED CAMERAS OR POLICE SPEED GUNS AROUND????

Kan said :

When I am approaching a speed camera – I normally go 5-10km/h under the limit. That’s probably why I haven’t been booked for so long. On the day of my alleged offence, I was travelling the speed limit because I forgot there was a speed camera on that stretch of road – my mistake! I believe the camera in question is possibly faulty but I don’t have the resources to fight this issue in court. BTW my speedo has been checked – when it says 60km/h, it’s actually 54-55km.

So what you are saying is that it was a fixed speed camera? Are you sure you weren’t booked somewhere else by a mobile speed camera? Where does the infringement notice say the camera was located.

Also, AFAIK, speed cameras are controlled by TAMS, not Police. But don’t forget to mention in your letter that the road conditions were clear and traffic was light. That usually helps.

troll-sniffer2:28 pm 10 Dec 10

bjnetzone said :

We already have a reward factor – don’t speed, don’t get fined, don’t lose points. It’s pretty simple.

Yep just the sort of in-depth response I was expecting… my point is: given that no-one is perfect the current system of penalty-only enforcement acts as little more than an opportunity tax on a lot of motorists who slip up occasionally.

A couple of years ago I wnet to Hervey Bay and with a passenger on the lookout as well attempted to drive there and back without a ticket. We didn’t make it. Somewhere on the outskirts of a small town in northern NSW a section of wide dual lane road was arbitrarily denoted as a 60k zone, however whether there was a truck in the left lane as we passed the 60k zone or the sign was otherwise not noticed, we didn’t see it, and the fine came in the mail. Now that was two pairs of eyes on a amission to avoid handing over money at all costs.

How many motorists have been caught on Hindmarsh Drive approaching Philip from Fyshwick? No change in road width or any other clues, yet a couple of smallish 60k signs denote the arbitrary change to 60k zone, almost impossible to spot if you’ve briefly allowed the constant scanning of the road ahead for signage to lapse for a few brief moments.

My point is and I shouldn’t have to labour it but this is RA after all… the current system acts as much as an involuntary tax on good drivers as it acts as a deterrent for the bad ones.

troll-sniffer said :

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

Ok, Firstly each motorist gets 12 points on a full licence. Surely most people will agree if you blow all 12 of those, your a danger to other road users and shouldn’t be driving.

Secondly why should we reward drivers for obeying the law? Should I be rewarded because I didn’t steal from the supermarket? They are already rewarded by not copping a fine. (Mind you I’d like to see registration costs decreased!!!)

People have to remember that when you break the road rules, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk. And if your ‘mistake’ (or inattention as I would describe it) causes a collision, it puts strain on a already appauling health system, not to mention increasing everyone’s insurance costs/time off work…..etc.

georgesgenitals2:10 pm 10 Dec 10

Maybe for every continuous year of blemish free driving, you get a 5% rego discount, capped at 50%? Obviously you would have to define the terms (should a parking ticket count against you?)

Works for insurance!

Maybe for every continuous year of blemish free driving, you get a 5% rego discount, capped at 50%? Obviously you would have to define the terms (should a parking ticket count against you?)

Mothy said :

I love the disassociation;

“My car” NOT “I”

Pay the fine, and include that area in your list of places where it is not ok to speed – AKA you “normally go 5-10km/h under the limit.”

Meanwhile please post a list of the places where you don’t normally drive under the limit, that I might avoid being on those roads on the day you strike your black swan.

Exactly where did the OP say they speed anywhere or drive under the speed limit everywhere? All they said was they make sure to be going under the speed limit when passing a camera and do not make a habit of speeding?

It is ridiculous that people are so ready to crucify someone for one speeding ticket. Who can honestly say they have never once exceeded the speed limit?

Ye gods! What happened to my quote??? Sorry all.

troll-sniffer said :

troll-sniffer said :

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

I can see a whole range of minor infractions that could qualify for the merit principle, while all the more serious offences such as proper speeding (more than 15km/hr above the limit), red light running, driving a WRX etc, would all remain as fully blown offences.

What do some of the (admittedly few) sensible RA readers think?

We already have a reward factor – don’t speed, don’t get fined, don’t lose points. It’s pretty simple.

Agree that driving a WRX should be an offence, along with Holden Utes.

troll-sniffer said :

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

I can see a whole range of minor infractions that could qualify for the merit principle, while all the more serious offences such as proper speeding (more than 15km/hr above the limit), red light running, driving a WRX etc, would all remain as fully blown offences.

What do some of the (admittedly few) sensible RA readers think?

Yeah, I agree. I seem to remember, way back when I was a wee tacker, that the gold licence system in NSW used to be like this. Do any older people remember? I think it used to be that you only got a gold licence if you held your blacks for a set amount of time (3 yrs? 6 yrs?) with no demerits. The Gold licence was then available for 5 yrs instead of three and came at a discounted rate. Then they changed it so the gold just replaced the blacks, so there was no incentive to avoid a few demerits.

Have I got that completely arse-about? Even so, I think it’s a jolly good idea and one that bears some consideration anyway.

I love the disassociation;

“My car” NOT “I”

Pay the fine, and include that area in your list of places where it is not ok to speed – AKA you “normally go 5-10km/h under the limit.”

Meanwhile please post a list of the places where you don’t normally drive under the limit, that I might avoid being on those roads on the day you strike your black swan.

troll-sniffer said :

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

I can see a whole range of minor infractions that could qualify for the merit principle, while all the more serious offences such as proper speeding (more than 15km/hr above the limit), red light running, driving a WRX etc, would all remain as fully blown offences.

What do some of the (admittedly few) sensible RA readers think?

We already have a reward factor – don’t speed, don’t get fined, don’t lose points. It’s pretty simple.

Agree that driving a WRX should be an offence, along with Holden Utes.

georgesgenitals11:42 am 10 Dec 10

I got my first speed camera fine the other day! Yay, I’ve finally joined the club.

I stuck it on my gold credit card (to get some frequent flyers) and chucked the notice in the bin. The extra demerit point I got the other day for being an New South Welshman got taken.

All in all, a pretty reasonable experience for making me think about speed limits (for about 7 seconds).

What are you going to say in your letter, you believe the camera is faulty and you always sit 5-10km below the speed limit when you pass a camera? I would be interested to hear the result.

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

I can see a whole range of minor infractions that could qualify for the merit principle, while all the more serious offences such as proper speeding (more than 15km/hr above the limit), red light running, driving a WRX etc, would all remain as fully blown offences.

What do some of the (admittedly few) sensible RA readers think?

There are so many people (most of whom post on RA, it seems) who have apparently transcended their humanity and do not accept that an all-too-human lapse is any excuse for a speeding fine. Driving along in their bubble of civic compliance, powered by their sense of self-righteousness, incapable of error, though occasionally distracted when observing motoring offences that deserve car-crushing or instant and permanent loss of licence. What a pity they can only see in black and white.

I agree with you, but I think you’ve got buckley’s. For a start, the anti-speeding lobby is winning the propaganda war, we are being told that to exceed the speed limit by any amount (let alone by up to 15 km/h) is a serious offence, and we are being punished as if that was indeed the case. Which it isn’t, in most cases.

I can’t see that changing – ever.

Thanks for the advice – I’ll be writing that letter today.

In response to comments about me not obeying the road rules. I used the word – allegedly – because I don’t believe I was speeding. When I am approaching a speed camera – I normally go 5-10km/h under the limit. That’s probably why I haven’t been booked for so long. On the day of my alleged offence, I was travelling the speed limit because I forgot there was a speed camera on that stretch of road – my mistake! I believe the camera in question is possibly faulty but I don’t have the resources to fight this issue in court. BTW my speedo has been checked – when it says 60km/h, it’s actually 54-55km.

troll-sniffer10:40 am 10 Dec 10

Quite a timely post this, I was just pondering ways in which a reward factor could be introduced to counter the negativity built into the current road rule enforcement arena.

To my mind the current system of a penalty only mantra is doing the community a disservice. There are no rewards for motorists who do the right thing 99% of the time, and slip up once in a blue moon, which is after all only human.

In a similar vein to the 3 year term for demerit points, good drivers should be clocking up merit points. Perhaps one point per year for an unblemished driving record. The points could then be used to offset minor infringements, say three points to avoid a lowest range speed offence, up to 15km/hr over, and only one redemption allowed per 12 months.

I can see a whole range of minor infractions that could qualify for the merit principle, while all the more serious offences such as proper speeding (more than 15km/hr above the limit), red light running, driving a WRX etc, would all remain as fully blown offences.

What do some of the (admittedly few) sensible RA readers think?

Can a speeding fine be avoided?

Yes. Stay under the speed limit. Especially around speed cameras, but it doesn’t hurt not to speed at other times.

If you were driving safely and paying attention to your surroundings you would have seen the camera and been doing the speed limit. This is one of the main functions of these cameras and in future you will no doubt think more about your driving. Yes, pay the fine.

Yep – its been known to happen, make sure you DO pay the fine within the time limit though and not wait until they respond.

I wrote a letter which got my wife off a 60 in a 50 zone ticket.

They do allow it in the ACT. My grandad got a speeding ticket coming down the Hindmarsh hill, and had not had one before that for 20 years or so. Wrote to the police and managed to have it dropped/withdrawn/whatever.

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