Speed Camera Van Query

[BellyButton]

I was driving in a 70mph-limit dual carriage-way today, in the left-hand lane. I fear that, foolishly, I was over 70mph. I approached a lay-by where a single-level bus was parked/waiting at a legitamate stop within it. The road is very gently curved. Upon approaching the bus I released that, parked at the far end of the lay-by was a Speed Camera Van, monitoring the traffic. This van was partially concealed by the bus until quite a late stage and so I did not see it until fairly late on. I know that 'they see you before you see them' etc. but if their presence was obstructed in this way, do you think that they would have had a fair view of me and can they persue a Notice of Intended Prosecution based on 'partial footage'? Do I have good grounds to contest it? Also, do these cameras run constantly or are they manually stopped and started by the camera man? Finally, at what point should you write a written dispute to the Speed Office? What opportunity are you actually given or is it simply a case of 'pay-up or court'?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

the fact that the bus was there has no relevance at all,if you were speeding for a mile or a 100 yds ,you were speeding,its not based on distance of a great lenght,if you were seen for 50 yds and you were over the limit,you get nicked.end of story,3 pts and �60.

[joko]

whats to dispute?

you admit yourself you were speeding

[joko]

and if it was not a good spot, they would not have parked there - they knew there was a bus stop

[BellyButton]

No, I said exceeding the speed limits that it was something I feared. At this point I am uncertain. Especially considering varying Force tolerance levels. By this question I am considering the siutation and assessing the likelihood that a NoIP will come my way. ...almost thinking aloud.
I'm quite willing to face it if one arrives. I have a clean licence.
Ahh, there's nothing like a question along these lines for all the supercilious people to 'help'! ...Thank you!

[joko]

and theres nothing like reading a persons desperate attempt to get out of something, on the most tenuous of reasons, when they are clearly guilty, and surely 'avin a larf' and then getting huffy when told they can't because they are still guilty despite silly technicalities ...ahhh, good old AB, 'eh?

[redcrx]

If youre willing to face a NIP if one arrives then why are you asking if you have grounds to contest or when you can dispute it?
I think its a case of having to wait and see if one arrives.

[Morty Vicar]

To answer your question, the cameras are not run all the time. The officer operating the camera looks at traffic and if he forms the view that a vehicle is exceeding the speed limit, he aims the camera at it and presses the button. As long as the vehicle goes through the cross in the centre he will be able to get a reading. Officers are very experienced at where they place their vehicles to do checks so I would imagine that the presence of the bus does not hinder him in any way.

If you are offered a conditional offer, I would be inclined to accept it. You will (likely) get 3 points and a fine of �30 or �60 depending on the speed. If you go to court the points could be higher, the fine definitely will be as will the costs.