Red light camera

[SAH]

I was waiting at a set of traffic lights the other evening and as they went to green I proceeded to pull away, but within 2 seconds I had been flashed by the red light camera behind me. I know I definitely didn't pull away until the lights had turned to green, but I also know that some of these red light cameras also act as speed cameras too, but it would have been impossible for me to reach a speed in excess of 30mph within 2 seconds of pulling away from a set of traffic lights. I also noticed other cars being flashed by this camera the next day on my way to work, so would it be fair to say that this camera has been incorrecly calibrated and that I could appeal against any subsequent fine???

[Grunty]

If the camera is having a tantrum, any pictures it takes should be destroyed. If you do receive a ticket, the first action to take is to write a letter to the address on the ticket, pointing out the full circumstances, and politely asking for the ticket to be withdrawn. If the case goes ahead, the prosecution should be able to produce evidence of calibration and the picture on which the accusation is made. It should show your car and the red light. By that time, you might well have decided to use a solicitor with experience of such cases.

[SAH]

Thanks for the advice Grunty. If I don't hear anything within 14 days I'll stop worrying!

[Grunty]

Yes, it could be a little more than 14 days. The law used to require the notice to be received by you within that period by recorded delivery. Now, as part of the process of whittling away your rights, it only has to be posted within that period. Proof of posting is proof of delivery, even though the Royal Mail, by their own admission, lose 14.4 million items a year.

[SAH]

Oh well I don't really care when I receive it, because I'm certainly not going to pay for it!