Got Booked Speeding

[Iconic Bionic]

Looks like the Fairfield boys were on fire. You should have said hello to me cousin for me.

It was fairly obvious that Australia day was going to be heavily targeted and more so that double demeit points were in effect, so whats your excuse.

As is the case with this double demerit point saga, and its into its 11th holy year, its sux big time getting done, but everyone seems to winge about it more because there losing twice the points. If it wasnt double points then who would really care for an over 15Kph.

And double points has absolutely nothing to do with the cops, its only implemented by the RTA (roads and tax authority).

I.B.

[Iconic Bionic]

I would email those pics to your local/state paper

Also, you seem to have taken some good pics, keep them for your day in court.

Dont bother with the pics, it will all be on video.

. . .And a long topic this is going to be.

I.B.

Edited 29/01/08 08:14 AM by Iconic Bionic

[Buf-Phoon]

It was fairly obvious that Australia day was going to be heavily targeted and more so that double demeit points were in effect, so whats your excuse.

As is the case with this double demerit point saga, and its into its 11th holy year, its sux big time getting done, but everyone seems to winge about it more because there losing twice the points. If it wasnt double points then who would really care for an over 15Kph.

And double points has absolutely nothing to do with the cops, its only implemented by the RTA (roads and tax authority).

I.B.

hmmmmm looks like the Iemma is at it again. That said he has a long way to go before he catches the "Stallion" Brumby from Mexico for sneaky revenue raising.

I.B has a point ............what were you thinking on a double demerit long week-end. The Cops were on holidays ???

[RHR]

Iwhat were you thinking on a double demerit long week-end. The Cops were on holidays ???

Well I was

[ZAP]

Taken from Roadsense.com.au:

The lidar works based on Doppler physics. That means that it is bound by the laws associated with the scientific principles involved

A lidar works similarly to radar. Even the NSW Police Academy Pro Laser II Training Manual shows a number of circumstances in which the lidar is not to be used because it cannot give accurate results. Whilst the lidar is relatively accurate, there are circumstances in which it does not work, mainly because the person shooting is only human and not even an Olympic marksman. Shooting a LIDAR gun is like trying to shoot a bullseye at the range of the vehicle. If you miss you could be hitting another vehicle. A person who sneezes, attempts to shoot at too greater range, shoots across lanes of traffic, etc. Because the LIDAR uses a wavelength close to that of visible light, it means that even headlights can cause problems with range.

Australian Standard AS4691.2-2003 explains that

"the operator shall take into account the detection area and the fact that the speed of any moving object within the detection area could be being measured at any given time... The operator shall take into account the traffic density at the site at the time of measurement to ensure that targets can be clearly identified... For speed measurements, the operator should ensure that the beam of the laser-based device is as close as practical to being directly in line with the direction of travel of the target to minimize the cosine angle effect... A valid speed measurement shall only be taken when the target vehicle is clearly identifiable by direct observation or by means of an image capture system... The operator shall visually monitor the object under investigation for sufficient time to identify it as the target. If the operator has any doubt that the speed measured by the device is not that of the object under investigation, that the speed measurement shall be considered invalid. Mirrors shall not be used to observe the object under investigation... The operator shall monitor the audible tones of the laser device to identify when the target is in aim and when a valid speed measurement has been taken."

It further explains that the operator shall be trained to understand the cosine angle effect and the causes of interference and limitations of laser eg. Sweeping and panning.

The NSW Police Academy, Radar Engineering Unit, Pro Laser II Training Program Manual explains that as an optional test, an officer may have another officer drive a patrol vehicle at a known speed and verify the Pro Laser II's speed against the patrol vehicle's reading. This is interesting as the patrol vehicle's speedometer may only be accurate to ±10% as required by "Australian Design Rule 18' (the vehicle's speedometer must indicate the actual vehicle speed, for all speeds above 40 km/h, to an accuracy of ±10%.) even though the Kustom Pro Laser II claims accuracy of +2/-3 km/h. The document further highlights that weather conditions affect the Lidar unit including:

"any weather affecting visual sight will affect the laser's ability to detect a target at greater distances. Rain, fog, snow blowing and dust affect the laser's range." It explains "having a clear line of sight to the target vehicle is mandatory. Items such as power pole guy wires, radio antennas on passing vehicles, fences, tree branches and other objects will interfere with the ProLaser II. Weather conditions play a major role in the maximum target acquisition distance. Fog, snow, rain and blowing dust can all interfere with the ability of the ProLaser II to obtain a speed reading on a target vehicle... the range of the target will be reduced.

This can mean higher than true speed measurements being calculated on the Lidar. The manual states

"Of all the external effects on the ProLaser II, operator motion or jitter while targeting a vehicle will have the most effect...[such as] any additional motion by the operator such as hand motion, motion caused by wind or motion caused when the operator is attempting to track a target vehicle".

The manual explain that if the operator's sweep causes the Lidar to move from the target vehicle's grille to its windscreen, this will cause higher readings than what the target vehicle was actually travelling at. It notes "The range of the ProLaser II may be affected by Halogen high beams. This is a white hot light source that contains some IR which may interfere with the laser's ability to detect the reflected laser pulse.

The manual's operational guidelines explain the following:

Lidar to be tested as per instructions

The minimum detection time is three seconds for a valid lidar speed check

At all times the trigger is not to be engaged until the target is visually observed

Ensure that a clear audio tone is heard throughout the period of the check

The lidar system is not to be used without a clear line of sight

Lidar instruments are to be used on relatively straight portions of roadway.

Lidar is not to be used through the windshield or glass windows of a motor vehicle

Do not sweep the lidar laser beam across the intended target. Maintain a consistent aiming point on the target.

Accuracy of the ProLaser II Infrared Lidar system is plus or minus 2km/h in speed mode and plus or minus 30cm in range mode. The accuracy in speed mode should be borne in mind when completing traffic infringement notices.

Never attempt any repairs or allow any person to perform any repairs to the lidar system. In case of faulty equipment, or if the seals are broken, cease operation and forward the device to the Leader, Radar Engineering Unit, 81-95 Portman Street, Zetland.

Each instrument will bear a label with the next service is due printed thereon. All instruments must be sent to the Radar Engineering Unit for periodic calibration testing at intervals not exceeding 6 months.

Retesting of the Lidar at the completion of shift must be done.

The Lidar operator at the time of the offence shall be responsible for notifying the Radar Engineering Unit when a Lidar is required at court.

Under the Responsibilities section it explains the following:

Lidar is not to be used on the approaches to towns in deceleration areas before reaching the township proper. (Does not apply to a complaint area or an area where a school is situated).

Stationary Lidar shall not be used:

a) on a bend in the road;

b) at the bottom of hills;

c) on an unsuitable gradient or hill; and

d) within 50m of a speed restriction or de-restriction sign creating a change to the speed zone being enforced.

Unsuitable gradient or hill is defined as a slope that causes a vehicle in top gear (or drive) to increase indicated speed against maximum deceleration (no brake or acceleration) from a commencement speed at the top of the slope at the posted limit.

This restriction does not apply to speed camera enforcement of the ascending traffic flow.

Lidar is not to be used on the departure side of towns and settled areas where settlement is sparse, except where speed is excessive

Lidar should not be used where motorists are stopped close to a sign indicating higher speed limit unless the location is the subject of complaint, has high accident potential or is subject to excessive speed (eg. 20kph in excess of the zoned speed limit).

Lidar must not be used at any location which would engender legitimate adverse criticism or give rise to the complaint that Lidar is a means of raising Government revenue.

Lidar must not be used in inclement weather.

The Sunday Tribune 17 August 2002 stated that in Cape Town, South Africa, evidence was presented in court by the Director of Traffic Management that the Kustom Prolaser series of Lidar similar to those used in NSW could be easily manipulated. Evidence showed that "a stationery car can be "trapped" doing 130km/h and a jogger can be measured at an incredible 109km/h."

On Today Tonight 20 September 2003, Scott Cooper won a case where it was alleged that he had been speeding because Dr Wolfgang Garwoli, radar expert stated that the "cop pinged [scott] from 250m away... He says it is unlikely the gun could be accurate from such a distance. The gun will certainly be accurate well over that range but the policeman would not."

Peter Conridge received a fine from a policeman using the Kustom Pro Series 2. The infringement was issued in a 100 km/h zone with 1.46 km winding down grade, multi lane highway, only 410 metres of visibility, distance on Lidar of 246 metres aiming through tree branches, 30 metres from overhead high tension electric power lines. This is contrary to Lidar guidelines.

[Mes83]

At least they are driving turbo's. You should have asked him if he wanted a race...!

hahah good call.

Sorry about the fine dude. Just another money making scheme by the government. :/

Cheers

Adam

[stealthxr]

Well I was

:roflmbo:

[our06t]

Geez ZAP that throws doubt over nearly every thing they do with a speed gun nice work

Edited 29/01/08 09:42 AM by our06t

[BFHOON]

just cut and paste the info from zaps last post and put it on paper and present it to the court

[Toecutter]

Mate TMU workers have contested hearings every week and they have heard it all, you bringing anything into court isn't going to help you. At the end of the day you sped and got caught.

And as far as showing pictures to a Superintendent to get the police officer charged, I wouldn't waste my time or embarrass myself. My 2c.