Speed Cameras & Bad Cops.....

[plonky]

I actually would have to agree that the stationary camera must have a projected return or they wouldn't go into a particular area in the first place.

I am vehemently opposed to speed cameras so I couldn't see the RTA placing a camera in an area unless it was for an expected return in revenue.

[Zeke]

A genuine question for the constabulary:

If I want to pass a car doing 5kph below the speed limit on a country road with a limit of 110kph, is it realistic or even reasonable to expect me to stick to the 110 limit? Should I be out on the wrong side of the road for all eternity watching the speedo or should I just put my foot down and pass as quickly as possible. I know what the law says and I know what I do and they're not the same! But I have this aversion to being on the wrong side of the road longer than I have to and that's one of the reasons I bought a T. Am I right in assuming this one's in the too hard basket or is there some constructive guidance available?

On another topic, I was recently passed by a maniac in a crappy old Commodore, way over the speed limit and all over the road. Quick flash of headlights from an oncoming car and some frantic and very untidy braking (with one flickering brake light) saw the Late model camira go thru a radar trap under the limit. I was very disappointed to see that particular "revenue raising" opportunity missed! Food for thought for the flashers!

Cheers

zeke

[GlennAUII]

*waits for topic to be locked*

[plonky]

A genuine question for the constabulary:

If I want to pass a car doing 5kph below the speed limit on a country road with a limit of 110kph, is it realistic or even reasonable to expect me to stick to the 110 limit? Should I be out on the wrong side of the road for all eternity watching the speedo or should I just put my foot down and pass as quickly as possible. I know what the law says and I know what I do and they're not the same! But I have this aversion to being on the wrong side of the road longer than I have to and that's one of the reasons I bought a T. Am I right in assuming this one's in the too hard basket or is there some constructive guidance available?

On another topic, I was recently passed by a maniac in a crappy old Commodore, way over the speed limit and all over the road. Quick flash of headlights from an oncoming car and some frantic and very untidy braking (with one flickering brake light) saw the Late model camira go thru a radar trap under the limit. I was very disappointed to see that particular "revenue raising" opportunity missed! Food for thought for the flashers!

Cheers

zeke

Speeding is a strict liability offence - 1kmh over the limit is an offence.

However...

If the imbecile in front is driving under the speed limit and you overtake then technically you are committing an offence. If you spend the least possible time on the incorrect side of the road during the overtaking manouevre you are being safe and responsible.

Of course the idea si to keep a sufficient gap between each other, accelerate BEFORE you get close enough to overtake so that you have reached your overtaking velocity as you overtake and resume the correct speed as soon as you have passed the slow moving vehicle.

I hear a lot of excuses that "I was overtaking" when the car being overtaken was in fact doing the speed limit.

Now I am on holidays for a month (first one in over 12 months) so I will return in February.

Ciao

[DallasQLD]

The best let off I ever had was with a pilot friend of mine. we were in his Saab Turbo coming into Goulburn.

He clocked us at 213. He said to the driver (not me) do you have any idea how fast you were going?

He said "yes about 210. I usually go about 650 and I feel toally in charge at this speed".

With that the policeman said "keep it under 100 mate and you will be right!

With that he let us off.

BTW my mate is now dead. He died in a plane crash in Western NSW.

[curious]

Plonky, there is such thing as a "quota" in Queensland - it is a pretty $hitty fact. Irks me and others no doubt to tears as there is no discretion up here because the traffic branch boys are working on their quota. And it doesn't help that up here they put the rejects of the Police Force (other Police say this!!) in traffic branch......

In Qld Im a member of one of the top performing offices. 800 D Drivers for the year, etc etc. I can tell you there are no quotas. There are more than enough offenders to need a quota. Im not being nasty but how would you know. No desretion, you must be kidding, truck drivers breathe relief as soon as they cross the border. 10% plus one is the general rule. As for putting rejects in traffic......you have no idea bud. No one is placed in a spot. My position is sought after as I earn about $20,000 more than a GD officer with the same service per annum. Please, and I mean this in the nicest way, you havnt a clue.

[Guest Scootre]

There was a story some years ago that you could avoid losing points by overpaying the fine by a few dollars.

That way, the system would have to issue a refund cheque of the difference. Then, when the person received the refund, he didn't bank it but instead tore it up.

With the refund cheque not showing up as deposited, the system would see it as unclosed case and not notify the RTA and then points would not be deducted.

Anyone heard of that one?

[Falchoon]

Like any profession, you get good employees and bad. Outside factors can influence how a person acts. Eg the copper might of had a blue with his wife and/or kids before his shift. It's very hard not to let this sort of thing influence you.

Here's a story of my 'mate', he was in his early to mid twenties and drove a nice XY GT replica, baked enamel paint, mild 351, lowered with 8" and 10" 12 slotters. Anyway my 'mate' decided to visit an aquaintance that was 'holidaying' at the Lawbreaker Inn at Goulburn. 'Mate' was accompanied by 2 other mates. He actually got pulled over in ACT at the beginning of the journey, not sure what for, it wasn't speeding, and car was actually defected. No smart talk from 'mate', not happy but copped it on the chin. Fair enough, there were a few things with the car that needed sorting out so I guess it's now time to action on them.

Anyway, the journey continued to Goulburn and they went to the prison to visit other mate (can't recall what he was in for, not relevant to story any how). Concluded visit and departed, heading for McDonalds as it was lunchtime and they were feeling peckish. But not before they attracted the attention of a copper who did a U turn and followed them to Maccas carpark (again, KFI what for, wasn't speeding and defect notice had "fallen" off the window because it was raining).

The passengers walked off to Maccas and the driver was left there on his own to deal with the cop. Cops asked what we were doing in Goulburn and mate told them honestly (probably mistake in hindsight) that they were visiting the jail. Cops the decided to search the car (in Maccas carpark at lunchtime) saying that 'mate' must of been smuggling drugs out of the prison! Mate couldn't help himself at this comment and asked if the cop meant into the prison? This comment went down like a lead ballon and only got the copper more upset/angry. After about 15 minutes the cops couldn't find any drugs or other contraband and left (no apology). Another 15 mins later 'mate' had put the interior of car back together and other mates returned with their food and a course for home was set. The remainder of the journey was incident free.

This was many moons ago and now 'mate' is in his late 30s and owns a nice XR6T. Had it for about a year and (touch wood) hasn't had a fine of any sort or even been pulled up by any cops even though he probably drives quite similar to Krash. Last speeding fine (first one since he got rid of XY GT) was at least 18 months ago in car previous to XR6T (another model Falcon lowered with 17s), 68 in 60 zone, busted by combined redlight/speed camera.

Sorry for the long post.

[KrasH]

I actually would have to agree that the stationary camera must have a projected return or they wouldn't go into a particular area in the first place.

I am vehemently opposed to speed cameras so I couldn't see the RTA placing a camera in an area unless it was for an expected return in revenue.

How true. There are 6 fixed red light/speed cameras in Canberra atm. 1 of them was moved from one place (Belconnen area) to the other (Woden area, other side of Canberra) a few months ago. Most obviously, because they didn't make enough money from it.