Setting off a speed camera.

[Jefferson Meriwether]

At the end of September, having set off a speed camera, I wrote to Dorset police asking them if they could confirm how fast I'd been going; I was intrigued to know and also wanted to know what kind of punishment, if any, I would be given. I got a reply through the post yesterday.

" I write with reference to your recent letter regarding the activation of the speed camera in Chideock.

I can advise that if a cyclist activates a speed camera the offence is not processed. Our procedures require identification of a vehicle via the registration number in order for the Notice of Intended Prosecution to be served on their registered keeper of that vehicle. As a bicycle does not have an identification registration number there would be no further action taken in relation to any potential speeding offence."


One of the chef's at work kept telling me I was a plonker for writing to the rozzer's; he was adamant I'd be given some kind of hefty fine and possibly points on my licence. He seemed a bit miffed when I told him today that no action is being taken.

I know breaking the speed limit is wrong but sometimes, circumstances permitting, I can't resist going down Chideock hill as fast as I can.

 

[oiljam]

Often wondered. Thanks for letting us know. Brave of you to write in

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I'd love to set a speed camera off, unfortunately I don't think there is one on a steep enough hill around here, as I certainly am not capable of setting one off on the flat.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

What speed limit?

 

[Peteaud]

I know that one and i bet you could get a fair lick of speed up past it.

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

I will admit, after I'd sent the letter off I did start to wonder if I'd done the right thing. At least now my curiosity has been satisfied.

I'm not capable of setting off a camera on the flat either supersuperleeds.

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

It's a 30 limit so nothing too fancy. I've set off one of those ones that show your recorded speed; I was coming in to Lyme & clocked 37.

It was the camera going in the Bridport direction Peteaud; I can get a lick of speed past it in the right circumstances. The camera in the Lyme direction is on a bit of a flat so I can't quite get the same kind of speed past it.

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

[QUOTE 2719433, member: 45"]Tell your mate at work that they couldn't fine you as you have not committed any offence.[/quote]

I did tell him cyclists can't be done like what motorist can.

 

[Peteaud]

I did tell him cyclists can't be done like what motorist can.

And we don't pay road tax

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

First time I did the Pedal for Scotland I set off one of those smiley face things saying I was going over 30mph. I was so pleased I punched the air and whooped, only for the pensioner behind me to swish by at a rate of knots saying "I think it was meeeee son!!!"

 

[Matthew_T]

Its perfectly legal to disobey speed limits on a bicycle. Many cyclists can often travel above 30/40mph. If I did set one off, I too would probably write in just to get the picture and confirmed speed. I would then staple the picture to my wall because I am that anal.

 

[glenn forger]

One of the chef's at work kept telling me I was a plonker for writing to the rozzer's; he was adamant I'd be given some kind of hefty fine and possibly points on my licence.

He's kind of right. Bikes have no speedo so you can't be done for speeding, but you may be guilty of Furious Cycling which entails fines and, to my amazement, potentially points on your driving licence. I thought that was barmy cos it means a cyclist could quite legitimately have no driving licence so receive a lesser punishment than a cyclist with one! Barmy. Anyway, they'd have to actually catch you- if it was a copper in a car I'd be , like "Where we're going, we don't need roads" and if it was a copper on a bike there is realistically no chance of the doughnut muncher catching me.

 

[simon the viking]

You mean they aren't prosecuting you "pedaling furiously".....

 

[Saluki]

We have one of those speed camera things that tells you your speed. Sadly its at the crest a long hill and the best I have ever managed is 8mph past it. A policeman, in his car, said something about jotting down my frame number. Cheeky sod.

 

[Cycling Dan]

Should have asked for the picture so you can make it your new avatar.