Does anyone understand this logic...

[DTGriff]

Right so...

I was snapped by a camera doing 72 in a 60 zone...

It was one of those unattended cars they leave parked in side streets, so not an actually police officer.

I got the infringement through the door a few days later, $288 fine and 3 demerit points...

So I was watching this cops program last night and a police officer pulled over this young driver for 75 in a 50 zone and all he got was a $210 fine and 1 demerit point.

My question is this... Why is my punishment so severe when in actual fact the offence was less severe?

Any help would be good!

[Glenn]

An actual police officer can make a call based on the circumstance and possibly show some leniency, or if its a bad day and the driver is being difficult, go for the max fine/points.

Camera shows no leniency

[DTGriff]

Cheers for the responses guys!.

The show was filmed in Melbourne but I think you're right Erin, I think it was filmed a year or two ago and legislation might have changed.

I can't remember speeding but obviously I must have been to get caught, I happy with paying the fine and the points because I did not and got caught!

Was just interested in finding out why my punishment was much harsher than this guys...

Ouch 5ks is a little harsh to be flashed for...

I think in the UK we're allowed roughly 5-7mph over before we get pulled and roughly 5mph over before getting flashed by a camera!

[The X]

Cops at their discretion can assess the circumstances and the person's contrition or if they were unaware of the speed and drop the offence down by to a lesser offence, usually just by one lower.

So in the cop show if the guy got pinged 75 in a 50 - which was 25km/h - would've been a a 20-30 over offence.
Even then if it was dropped to a one lesser offence that would be a 10-20 offence... no a less than 10km/h over offence, which attracts the 1 point.

I suspect the TV show is exaggerating things to portray the police force in a better light. Besides the cop shows are pretty much a front for the police PR machine and the producers will have got "permission" to film and of course you do want to please your master. No permission, no show.

[evil.ralliart]

Police...absolute waste of space. All these cameras, new laws, double demerit points.
And what has it done for the road toll?....Absolutely NOTHING.

I noticed that all the fatalities in QLD in i think september were in 4wd's and with families and/or friends on board. Not the "Hoons" as they portray on TV. I still havnt heard of anyone been killed from doing a donut or a skid "Not that i encourage it" (cause im old).

Speed cameras,traps and hooning laws are just purely and simply "Revenue raises "

Im waiting for someone to slam on the brakes when they see a van parked on the side of the road and cause a major fatal accident.

Sorry...bit of subject...but this stuff really peaves me off. LoL

[DTGriff]

Yea I suppose so!

Well just to clear it up, I don't agree with a $288 (bit steep in my opinion) but hey!

I honestly don't remember speeding through the area, seeing as it's the corner on where I live... :/ but ahh well, caught bang to rights!

Yea Vic seems really harsh on driving offences from what I've seen so far.

I have been told that the police outsource the cameras from a company who receive commission so I agree with Peter's statement of 'Revenue Raisers'

[The X]

...and this is the problem. Speed cameras don't change behaviours, they only address a problem in a particular spot. Everyone slows down for a signposted speed camera and then speeds off again.

Behaviours are only changed if a cop pulls you over and gives you a stern talking to, not only for speeding, but people who don't indicate, cut you off and all the other really dangerous accident causing behaviours. Speed in accidents is usually a secondary concern, the primary trigger is due to someone doing something stupid (like being cut off) to cause the accident in the first place, then speed just makes it worse. If they addressed the poor behaviour/skills of drivers in the first place, they'd knock down the road toll more effectively. Tho it costs money to put more police on the roads....

The company you are referring to, in NSW is called RedFlex - a Macquarie Bank group company.

[Dire]

'...well theres not going to be any more speed cameras on this road now BWAAAAAA'

[SEB15]

This is for your state! http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Lic ... fences.htm

[squala]

There are a few guidelines that these mobile cameras are breaking.

1. They are usually on a nature strip, which is illegal.
2. They cannot position the camera less than 200 metres before a speed change sign.

I'm not sure if they get an exception in #1, but if they don't, I'm interested to know if it voids the fine itself as it somehow makes the photo illegally taken.

Anyone who operate these things in America is like suicide.

[Tong-sea]

Anyone who operate these things in America is like suicide.

speed cameras are illegal in the state of california. they said it violates their right to privacy when police poke their cameras on their car.

i was also told that they can be fined for speeding if they re running 60mph on a 60mph road if the rest of the traffic is only running 40mph.

[Seffy]

Speaking of that 200m thing, a week or two ago I spotted a Camera Camry facing me (yes I call them these nowadays lol) on a road I was on; right where the 50 sign is. I was doing 60 right before the sign, and when I saw it I just stomped the brakes and now hoping I didn't get pinged for it. -.-

Not too sure how they work but the Camera Camries ping both sides on the road right?