$730 Speeding Ticket!

[manic]

I always drive within the speed limits. I have not received a speeding ticket for many years. So today I was surprised to receive a ticket in the post, and shocked that they want $730!

I just don't understand how they can get away with charging so much... last time I saw a ticket it was around $100! The deterrent should be in the demerit points against your license - speed about often and you lose your license! The actual fine to pay should cover administrative costs with perhaps a levy that goes to a charity for road accident victims (that would be nice).

A $730 fine is nothing for some but there must be many people out there who simply do not have $730 spare each month after paying all their required living costs. It's a punishment that is not equal. It delivers hardship for some whilst others can afford to greet it with a chuckle.

I'm ****ed off because this ticket says that my defender was doing 102kph in a 80kph zone on the highway to Melrose over Easter. Now I love a 80kph zone, the deefer is more fuel efficient at that speed, you get a break from the wind noise, can hear the stereo better. There is simply NO WAY I would have done 100 in an 80!

This was on the STURT HWY in SA. Either they had a sign out/obscured, their camera was faulty or they had a car sitting just behind a 80kph sign coming down from a 110kph and they caught me on the slow down.

If it was $50 - $200 then I would probably give them the benefit of the doubt, thinking perhaps I was distracted and an 80kph sign somehow went by without notice. But if they are asking $730 I need proof beyond doubt.

I need a photo of the incident,
gps position of the incident,
relative position of the 80kph speed restriction sign,
proof that the sign was not obscured that day,
proof that the speed detection device had been recently calibrated
proof that the cameras speed detection is not suspect by providing amount of infringements detected that day compared to a yearly average.

If its proven witout doubt that I could have avoided the fine, then OK I pay $730 and break the news to my defender that its ashcroft locker will not be coming any time soon!

Until then:
:censored::vampire::rocket::firedevil:

Oh and when does the Revolution start!?

[carlschmid2002]

I completely agree with your opinion about losing demerit points. If they are serious about getting dangerous drivers off the road then take points off them. Fining does nothing more than raise funds for state governments who so badly mismanage their budget that they have come to rely on speed cameras to balance the books. It seems that the in car cameras and recorders that many forum members have fitted are becoming a necessity.

[schuy1]

WOW! :o In QLD that would just about lose you your licence! So yes I would be asking the hard Qs 2. However given the stupidity of the system I dont hold a lot of hope! I have had them go to aim the gun at me and when they see its a Defender just lower it again!!! Not often mind you, always some hopeful out there! :D

[bicubic]

You can always put your hand up, plead guilty but ask for leniency as it was an exceptional event and out of character. Ask to have the fine reduced to a warning. You'll need a spotless licence (I think most states say two years but longer is better). If issued, a warning goes on record should you do it again.

I've just had to cop this regarding an expired licence recently. Did not even realise it (moved interstate, postal issues... blah, blah). I wrote in after having a brief discussion with the officer at the time and the person in the Vic Roads office about 20 mins later. You have to admit to the charge without question, be sincere, and like I said before, have a totally clean record.

It either goes away (which I think mine has but still not completely sure :confused:) or they issue a warning. Bad luck would have the fine stick but at least you get the time extension of the appeal before you pay it.

Your rights will be outlined on the ticket and further information is on the issuing states website. Do a quick search of whirlpool forums too, there is a long discussion there about it. There's even some advice on what you should write. You'll loose all rights to appeal in a court due to a guilty plea being needed in the first instance—the biggest draw back.

P

[manic]

You can always put your hand up, plead guilty but ask for leniency as it was an exceptional event and out of character. Ask to have the fine reduced to a warning. You'll need a spotless licence (I think most states say two years but longer is better). If issued, a warning goes on record should you do it again.

I've just had to cop this regarding an expired licence recently. Did not even realise it (moved interstate, postal issues... blah, blah). I wrote in after having a brief discussion with the officer at the time and the person in the Vic Roads office about 20 mins later. You have to admit to the charge without question, be sincere, and like I said before, have a totally clean record.

It either goes away (which I think mine has but still not completely sure :confused:) or they issue a warning. Bad luck would have the fine stick but at least you get the time extension of the appeal before you pay it.

Your rights will be outlined on the ticket and further information is on the issuing states website. Do a quick search of whirlpool forums too, there is a long discussion there about it. There's even some advice on what you should write. You'll loose all rights to appeal in a court due to a guilty plea being needed in the first instance—the biggest draw back.

P

Worth consideration - thanks.

My plan of action may change but at the moment I plan to post off a request for photo evidence. If it is clear who is driving I will opt for a review in court, not necessarily to win but to have my questions answered. So long as I feel that my case has been properly reviewed with all my contentions considered - I will accept the decision.


edit - ... hmmm thinking about it - court appearance is not likely to be in Melbourne is it... crap. Paying for a trip to adelaide just to lose does not sound appealing!

[ezyrama]

The car isnt registered in a company name is it??, We had a $730 fine here in QLD but was reduced to $143.00 when we nominated the driver who was driving the company car at he time of the so called offence, 71km/h in a 60km/r zone, 2 lanes, dead straight, light traffic, revenue raising bull****!!!

[OffTrack]

That is a nasty surprise. It would have been much cheaper if you'd been done in Victoria.

In South Australia:
Road Safety : Speed limits & penalites (http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/roadsafety/safer_speeds/speed_limits_and_penalties)
20-30kph over the limit = $670 + $60 Victims of Crime levy + 5 demerit points.

In Victoria:
Fines - Cameras Save Lives (http://www.camerassavelives.vic.gov.au/home/cameras/fines+and+penalties/fines/#penaltiesspeeding)
10-24kph over the limit = $282 + 3 demerit points.

[manic]

Its not a company registered car - I think in SA they would actually charge more if it was!

I always thought VIC was the worst for fines but over in SA they are BRUTAL!

[OffTrack]

WOW! :o In QLD that would just about lose you your licence! So yes I would be asking the hard Qs 2. However given the stupidity of the system I dont hold a lot of hope! I have had them go to aim the gun at me and when they see its a Defender just lower it again!!! Not often mind you, always some hopeful out there! :D

Same in Vic. 25kph above the limit and you lose your license for a month.

I've actually been done for speeding in NW Victoria for something similar. My partner pointed something out to me off to the side of the road and I missed the first 80 kph sign, and was doing 90kph when I went past the second. Of course the town cop was sitting a couple of 100m down the road with his radar gun at the time. It's so easy to miss the signs if your distracted for a second or two, but I guess that is the point. You shouldn't be distracted when driving.

[Eevo]

gps position of the incident,
relative position of the 80kph speed restriction sign,
proof that the sign was not obscured that day,
proof that the speed detection device had been recently calibrated
proof that the cameras speed detection is not suspect by providing amount of infringements detected that day compared to a yearly average.


you will need to prove this, not the police.

[bicubic]

you will need to prove this, not the police.

That's what I discovered on my charge—the state gets it easy—you risk the lot. You need to collect everything but then it can have little, if any, effect on the outcome. $

Decisions, decisions... :censored:

[manic]

you will need to prove this, not the police.

Yes and there lies a great injustice.

Tell me how can any reasonable person be expected to take a picture of every speed sign they pass, and then if the speed sign has been knocked over how would they know when they are traveling a road for the first time?

If you want to prosecute someone for a crime under law you need to collect all the evidence so as to remove all reasonable doubt! Speed camera snaps should be backed up with a shot of the speed limit sign that proceeds it. Why should we assume that the sign was in place when we could just as easily assume that is was not? Why should we assume in favor of those who clearly stand to profit?

To the authorities in crime: You cannot hand out a speeding fine if the speed signs were not in proper order.. so if you do issue a fine PROVIDE THE FRIKIN EVIDENCE!

[OffTrack]

Yes and there lies a great injustice.

Tell me how can any reasonable person be expected to take a picture of every speed sign they pass, and then if the speed sign has been knocked over how would they know when they are traveling a road for the first time?

If you want to prosecute someone for a crime under law you need to collect all the evidence so as to remove all reasonable doubt! Speed camera snaps should be backed up with a shot of the speed limit sign that proceeds it. Why should we assume that the sign was in place when we could just as easily assume that is was not? Why should we assume in favor of those who clearly stand to profit?

To the authorities in crime: You cannot hand out a speeding fine if the speed signs were not in proper order.. so if you do issue a fine PROVIDE THE FRIKIN EVIDENCE!

You are meant to be aware of what you are doing as a driver and obey the speed limits. If you don't you risk getting fined. It's happened to people before, and it will happen to people in the future.

If it was a speed camera they have a photo, which I'm sure you can request, but if you try on the "obscured signs" you'll be lucky to prove that signs on both sides of the road were obscured.

[bicubic]

:wasntme:

I like the quiet resistance of asking to be let off.

[jx2mad]

What I hate is driving somewhere you are not conversant with and coming out of a feeder road onto a main road and the first speed sigh is 20k up the road. How on earth are you to know the speed limit on entering. I tend to run up to around 70k and look at other cars and match their speed. If they are over so am I. What else can you do? Jim

[OffTrack]

I like the quiet resistance of asking to be let off.


The fine would hurt big time and I'd be feeling the pain too if I'd copped it.

[S3ute]

The car isnt registered in a company name is it??, We had a $730 fine here in QLD but was reduced to $143.00 when we nominated the driver who was driving the company car at he time of the so called offence,

This is what happens with our fleet - the camera goes blip, the vehicle is identified by the camera accompanying the radar, the big fine eventually arrives at HQ and it is then up to the assorted staff to fess up and wear the lesser fine. Otherwise, the firm wears the punitive fine and charges it back to the project team that has nominal control of the vehicle if the log books haven't already identified the driver. So, the real fine is $143 in that case. The $730 opening claim is the incentive for the vehicle's registered owner to identify the driver.

Not much you can do about it but watch those k's..............

Cheers,

[muddy]

Was this a period of double fines/demerit points (easter period) ?

[manic]

You are meant to be aware of what you are doing as a driver and obey the speed limits. If you don't you risk getting fined. It's happened to people before, and it will happen to people in the future.

If it was a speed camera they have a photo, which I'm sure you can request, but if you try on the "obscured signs" you'll be lucky to prove that signs on both sides of the road were obscured.

I'm not looking for sympathy, just voicing my views on what I think is fair and acceptable. Considering I drove an exceptionally obedient run that easter weekend I feel like there is a good chance a mistake has been made. They should provide proof to cover all possibilities. If they wanted to they could entrap motorists left right and center then demand the fine be paid and we would have no recourse - they need prove nothing! I will get a dash cam BTW.


I will make them work as hard as I can to earn their $730

Your less rude version
'It's happened to people before, and it will happen to people in the future.'

Oohh thank christ, oh that is just great news, I'm not the only one! I'll just pay the fine without question and we can all continue to get merrily raped :p

[mikehzz]

If you've had a clean record for years then you should be able to get off that. In NSW you write a letter explaining the circumstances and post the cheque in with it. If they accept your explanation they let you off with a warning and refund the money. I have done that twice for my wife over the last 20 years and she got off with a warning both times. Your record has to be clean and your explanation convincing. I'm not sure how it works in other states. A copper told me to do it that way here.

[bicubic]

Unless the piece of mail containing the notice was registered... it never arrived. :angel:

What ticket? :confused:

:wasntme:

[Discomark]

Theres a draft letter for leniency on one of the riders forums :)

Officer in Charge
Traffic Camera Office
GPO Box 1916
Melbourne VIC 3001

Traffic Infringement Notice: xxxx (Obligation: xxxx)

I wish to request that this Traffic Infringement Notice be converted to an Official Warning.

My Victorian drivers licence number is: xxxx

I have a good driving record over the last two years, and have not been issued a speeding fine, traffic fine, or official warning within this time.

On the date and time of the offence, I was [insert good reason why you should be let off]

[insert more/another good reason why you should be let off]

[insert hardship/sob-story], my financial budget would be better if I could spend the $xx on my mortgage instead of the Traffic Infringement Notice.

Due to the situation above, I would be grateful if the Traffic Infringement Notice was withdrawn and an Official Warning issued instead. Thank-you.

[chuck]

I recently received a fine in the mail from the EPA.
My daughter was driving the car but it is registered in my name.

I wrote to the EPA requesting more information & for verification that their procedures had been followed.

Their procedures are posted on their website.

Long story short they withdrew the fine.

They did not give me a reason for withdrawing the fine other than reviewing my case.

It was a $300 fine.

[bicubic]

Wait until the machines take over... then we'll all be screwed (think 1989 style).

Sympathy won't be in that algorithm, just blood on the punch-cards. :eek:

[Homestar]

I recently received a fine in the mail from the EPA.
My daughter was driving the car but it is registered in my name.

I wrote to the EPA requesting more information & for verification that their procedures had been followed.

Their procedures are posted on their website.

Long story short they withdrew the fine.

They did not give me a reason for withdrawing the fine other than reviewing my case.

It was a $300 fine.

These fines I find interesting as anyone can dob in anyone else for littering or having a smokey vehicle. Fine will get sent out, and it is guilty until proven innocent. Not sure how that works. It's not even the word of a Police Officer, just the say so of some passing motorist with a grudge...

'To me a grudge is just a place to park your car...' - sorry for the obscure reference there, couldn't help myself.

[Sitec]

Wow, that's a bit steep eh!!! We were there too, and didn't see one cop in our journey!! as everyone has already said, long letter of doom, gloom and general misfortune needed!!! It might just work!

Now, here's something to try when you do eventually have to pay 'the fee' what ever the final figure may be..... I was told recently by one of the lead footed blokes at work who has had more speeding tickets than you can poke a stick at in his highly modified WRX, that if you are to write a check for a little more than the amount requested it throws the system into complete confusion and they are not able to refund you so never actually cash the cheque.... (So for your $735 or whatever it was, write your cheque to them for $737:13..). Little lost to see what happens.. Goods luck!! :) Still feel sooo frustrated for you though!!! :(

[Disco Muppet]

I was told recently by one of the lead footed blokes at work who has had more speeding tickets than you can poke a stick at in his highly modified WRX, that if you are to write a check for a little more than the amount requested it throws the system into complete confusion and they are not able to refund you so never actually cash the cheque.... (So for your $735 or whatever it was, write your cheque to them for $737:13..). Little lost to see what happens.. Goods luck!! :) Still feel sooo frustrated for you though!!! :(

That's rather alot of money to be taking a gamble with.
As stated before, unfortunately it will be up to you to prove that you didn't do it.
As speeding is an example of strict liability, Mistake of Fact, in that you hadn't intended to commit the offence due to the mistake of the sign being potentially obscured, etc, isn't a valid defence.
They only need to prove that you were exceeding the speed limit :(
Apologies for legal jargon, but I just did an assessment on this so I took the opportunity to apply my new found knowledge :)
Best of luck with it!
Cheers
Muppet

[Debacle]

Wow, that's a bit steep eh!!! We were there too, and didn't see one cop in our journey!! as everyone has already said, long letter of doom, gloom and general misfortune needed!!! It might just work!

Now, here's something to try when you do eventually have to pay 'the fee' what ever the final figure may be..... I was told recently by one of the lead footed blokes at work who has had more speeding tickets than you can poke a stick at in his highly modified WRX, that if you are to write a check for a little more than the amount requested it throws the system into complete confusion and they are not able to refund you so never actually cash the cheque.... (So for your $735 or whatever it was, write your cheque to them for $737:13..). Little lost to see what happens.. Goods luck!! :) Still feel sooo frustrated for you though!!! :(

That method only works if you are trying to delay things till you get some points back. Does not get you out of the fine.

[Sitec]

It's a small gamble... The $2:13 on top of what you'll have to pay regardless. If I get a speeding fine, I'll try it! :)

[digger]

Theres a draft letter for leniency on one of the riders forums :)

Officer in Charge
Traffic Camera Office
GPO Box 1916
Melbourne VIC 3001

Traffic Infringement Notice: xxxx (Obligation: xxxx)

I wish to request that this Traffic Infringement Notice be converted to an Official Warning.

My Victorian drivers licence number is: xxxx

I have a good driving record over the last two years, and have not been issued a speeding fine, traffic fine, or official warning within this time.

On the date and time of the offence, I was [insert good reason why you should be let off]

[insert more/another good reason why you should be let off]

[insert hardship/sob-story], my financial budget would be better if I could spend the $xx on my mortgage instead of the Traffic Infringement Notice.

Due to the situation above, I would be grateful if the Traffic Infringement Notice was withdrawn and an Official Warning issued instead. Thank-you.

They do not do this in SA especially for speed camera stuff. Whereabouts on the Sturt Highway were you pinged?

[Ranga]

WOW! :o In QLD that would just about lose you your licence!

Not true.

"More than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h over the speed limit:
$366 + 4 demerit points."

Fines and demerit points (Department of Transport and Main Roads) (http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/driver-guide/speeding/fines-and-demerit-points.aspx)

[SLOWBOAT]

To ask for a reduction to an official warning only you need to be no more than 10kph over the posted speed limit. This is in Victoria.
Above 10kph you have no cause for a reduction and the fine will stand.
Don't know about other states though.

[Tombie]

It's a small gamble... The $2:13 on top of what you'll have to pay regardless. If I get a speeding fine, I'll try it! :)

Didn't work 20 years ago...
Doesn't work now...

And doesn't "slow" process to regain points either.

This little Urban myth has been rolling around for decades.

[vnx205]

Didn't work 20 years ago...
Doesn't work now...

And doesn't "slow" process to regain points either.

This little Urban myth has been rolling around for decades.

If you need more convincing that it doesn't work, read this explanation.

snopes.com: Overpaying Traffic Tickets (http://www.snopes.com/autos/law/ticket.asp)

[manic]

They do not do this in SA especially for speed camera stuff. Whereabouts on the Sturt Highway were you pinged?

Not exactly sure, ticket says STURT HIGHWAY, MONASH. But on google maps I cant locate the camera.

[Tombie]

Not exactly sure, ticket says STURT HIGHWAY, MONASH. But on google maps I cant locate the camera.

When you say you "can't locate" the camera...

That would be because it drove off later that day...

[jsp]

That area is an 80 zone but its still fairly open country wihtout much built up next to the road, and the few houses are on a service road.

Still hurts for the bigger fine though :(

I got pulled over by some police with hairdryers in Wirrabara on the Thursday afternoon on the way to Melrose, and waved on, they got the poor guy in the loaded up county overtaking me and had pulled over another guy in a white tdi disco ahead of me.

[schuy1]

Not true.

"More than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h over the speed limit:
$366 + 4 demerit points."

Fines and demerit points (Department of Transport and Main Roads) (http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/driver-guide/speeding/fines-and-demerit-points.aspx)

Aha! Thanks for that. Now where have I got the idea 20+ kms over a posted limit lost your license?:confused: Just goes to show how much I get booked ! :D Is it because they double it over holidays? Mind you if you only had 3 points on your license..................:p
Cheers Scott

[manic]

I did a google streetview drive up that section of road into monash. Its a 110kph road and there is a clear reduction to 80kph entering monash, sign up alongside vineyards - very open (at least when google car was there).

The ticket issue was from SA Police so must be mobile camera install. I'm interested to know exactly where the camera was placed because there is no way we would be going 100kph through a town. It must have been right by the 80kph sign and got us as we were slowing down from 110kph!

Suppose slowing down as you pass the sign is not by the book... so technically it would be an infringement - but the fine is too harsh!

I await the photo evidence.

[Tombie]

We had a fines change not long ago.

Low level infringement is actually Cheaper than it used to be. It's once you cross the low level that it climbs exponentially.

No roadworks signs etc put up when you were going through? Even if there were no workers...

[d2dave]

To ask for a reduction to an official warning only you need to be no more than 10kph over the posted speed limit. This is in Victoria.

Less than 10, not 10 or less. You also need a clean record for two years. Below is a copy of a letter I sent.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4117/dsc00743fe.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/221/dsc00743fe.jpg/)

And here is the response.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/7743/dsc00744copy.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/824/dsc00744copy.jpg/)

[digger]

I did a google streetview drive up that section of road into monash. Its a 110kph road and there is a clear reduction to 80kph entering monash, sign up alongside vineyards - very open (at least when google car was there).

The ticket issue was from SA Police so must be mobile camera install. I'm interested to know exactly where the camera was placed because there is no way we would be going 100kph through a town. It must have been right by the 80kph sign and got us as we were slowing down from 110kph!

Suppose slowing down as you pass the sign is not by the book... so technically it would be an infringement - but the fine is too harsh!

I await the photo evidence.



The area is 80kmph and is the main road headed through a town area BUT all the buildings etc in that area are to the one side on a parralell road. It may appear you are skirting a town and therefore doesnt appear as a town area to some but is in the gazetted zone. Cameras are mounted on the vehicles which are many and varied.

Recently up this way they've had a green VW van, a silver dual cab with fibreglass top on back, a few various commodores, falcons, toyotas and even I believe a corolla! Every overhead camera (the green post over the road traffic obs cameras) now does number plate recognition, (so does rego checks etc automatically) and is a speed camera also? Now they are also set as point to point speed cameras.

If you pass A and at the speed limit you should take 1.5hrs to travel past point B (another overhead camera) If you get there faster they assume you sped and issue fine! Thats catching a lot of people out nowdays.

[mick88]

Monash is a downhill run from either east or west, so pretty easy to be over the gazetted limit.
Request a copy of the photograph, never pay a camera fine without viewing it!
They will charge you a few extra bucks but there may have been another vehicle overtaking you at the time you were pinged.

Cheers, Mick

[Homestar]

I did a google streetview drive up that section of road into monash. Its a 110kph road and there is a clear reduction to 80kph entering monash, sign up alongside vineyards - very open (at least when google car was there).

The ticket issue was from SA Police so must be mobile camera install. I'm interested to know exactly where the camera was placed because there is no way we would be going 100kph through a town. It must have been right by the 80kph sign and got us as we were slowing down from 110kph!

Suppose slowing down as you pass the sign is not by the book... so technically it would be an infringement - but the fine is too harsh!

I await the photo evidence.

In Victoria, they cannot put a camera within 200 metres of a change of speed zone - not sure about SA though. Would be worth finding out. The Vic regs are easy to find - vic-mobile-cameras-policy-manual-2010.pdf (http://www.camerassavelives.vic.gov.au/resources/859ac2bb-5947-4e91-ba77-80c34305ae16/mobile-cameras-policy-manual-2010.pdf)

SA's seem to be a bit harder to find...

Edit - WA can place a camera at the change of speed sign, so SA may be the same... Blatant revenue raising if that is the case, and the Pollies can't understand why there is so much public back lash about these things...

[Homestar]

Found this - Police Radar Laser & Speed cameras in South Australia, detectors, jammers, fines (http://www.delonixradar.com.au/south-australia/)

Has some info on Radar and Camera use in SA, but only gives a link to buy the standard for camera use from standards Australia.

[Homestar]

Double Post

[manic]

Well some months later, the fight is over.

It went something like this:

Photo Evidence Request -> Second Photo Request (larger than 4cm please!) -> Driver Not Visible Statement-> Appeal-> Appeal-> Court Election-> VIC Police Officer Sent to Summon-> Unable to Attend -> Guilty plea only financially viable option-> Written guilty plea sent along with statement for consideration -> fine reduced to $150

Looks like a win, but not really

$150 fine
+ court fee
+ V.I.C Levy (VIC police delivery service?)
+ Prosecution Costs
Total to pay: $650

In the end a little less to pay in exchange for a lot of pain in the arse.

Ultimately I was not allowed to properly defend myself because I could not attend the court date 750km away. For small traffic infringments they ought to delegate to other 'petty' courts so that we can be heard in our own state. Never gonna happen though.



The other thing that irked me was that they sent a VIC police officer to my house to deliver the summons. He was friendly, dare I say even sympathetic when I told him what it was all about. BUT what a complete waste of police time!! Considering that I had ELECTED for court prosecution, it would have been enough to send a recorded mail delivery letting me know that my request for a day in court had been accepted.




Anyway its over, I have paid. Merry Christmas SA!!

[ninja380]

Put it on SPURS

Number plate blocker anti photo anti speed camera license plate covers plate blocker (http://www.ghostplates.com/ontrack.html)

[Tombie]

Put it on SPURS

Number plate blocker anti photo anti speed camera license plate covers plate blocker (http://www.ghostplates.com/ontrack.html)

I've used these...

They don't work sufficiently to be viable. Got the fines to prove it...

Back in my younger years I also got into a pursuit once for having one fitted...
Got away, but was in a far quicker vehicle than a 4wd!
They stand out like dogs bollocks - especially if a cop pulls up one car back to the left or right!

[THE BOOGER]

They are easily spotted and you get a fine and demerit points so are they worth it:(

[DiscoMick]

I wonder if you had just paid the fine and asked for consideration if they would have reduced the fine to $150 without you having the court expenses?

[Tombie]

I wonder if you had just paid the fine and asked for consideration if they would have reduced the fine to $150 without you having the court expenses?

More than likely...

Several persons in town have done this and had fine + victims levy.

[manic]

I wonder if you had just paid the fine and asked for consideration if they would have reduced the fine to $150 without you having the court expenses?

Pay the fine and then ask for a partial refund on consideration? :confused:

I asked for consideration, as suggested earlier in this thread - but they did not offer me anything. Each time I wrote to them I got a generic 'decided that the matter will stand' letter.

I exhausted my correspondence 'allowance' with the police until all that was left was to get the courts ear.



If I had paid it right away it would have been money from a UK savings account. Today it was paid out of a UK savings account. So including a favourable change in the exchange rate I ended up paying £110 less... I'm trying to take that as small win.

[Basil135]

I've used these...


They stand out like dogs bollocks - especially if a cop pulls up one car back to the left or right!

While you are exiting the fast food joint adjacent to the servo on West Tce... ;)

And the car that was a "little faster" than a 4wd, MIGHT have been a bit louder too??? :angel:


They are easily spotted and you get a fine and demerit points so are they worth it:(

Yup, and these days, that is enough of a reason to pull you over, and bring the defect notice pad with them. Chances are, you would be walking home, while your car gets a ride on the back of a truck... :eek:

[Eevo]

good to see our roads are safer now that another fine has been paid.

[newhue]

SNIP Cameras are mounted on the vehicles which are many and varied.

Recently up this way they've had a green VW van, a silver dual cab with fibreglass top on back, a few various commodores, falcons, toyotas and even I believe a corolla! Every overhead camera (the green post over the road traffic obs cameras) now does number plate recognition, (so does rego checks etc automatically) and is a speed camera also? Now they are also set as point to point speed cameras.

If you pass A and at the speed limit you should take 1.5hrs to travel past point B (another overhead camera) If you get there faster they assume you sped and issue fine! Thats catching a lot of people out nowdays.

hey digger what the go with flashing my lights to on coming traffic. I've taken a bit of an anti establishment shine to all the speed cameras and fines. Not our fault the Government sold all our assets. And more people die from suicide, or prostate cancer per year nationally than the national road toll. But still the Gov treat us like we are all useless.

So I flash a fair bit these days, what's the general go beside being wrong. Will I saw a mate, or accidentally flicked the lever when going to indicate cut it for an excuse if caught. I think the fine is only $40 here in Qld so not real loss.
I also coasted past a camera at 15km/h the other day. Me thinks if people stop to look at anything these days, than perhaps I can create a little traffic jam around ol mate doing his paper work in the van.

****s me how they sit on straight roads with down hill inclines and say they are pinging people for the good of all and road safety. rubbish.

[Tombie]

Miss use of a warning device or similar me thinks!

Yes there is a fine for doing it..

[Disco Muppet]

Operating highbeam lights within a 2?00m distance.

[goingbush]

Ive copped enough speeding fines in my time, plus a good behaviour bond,
I say if your speeding cough up,

I never flash my lights to warn of cops or Mobile camera , only if they are approaching some other hazard.
.

That said, the hypocrite that I am, Oncoming flashers have probably saved me a fine or two !! :twisted:

[d@rk51d3]

good to see our roads are safer now that another fine has been paid.

But, but, but,............ think of the victims of crime.....

...oh, wait. That money is just sitting in an account somewhere.

[d2dave]

I never flash my lights to warn of cops or Mobile camera , only if they are approaching some other hazard.:twisted:

I always warn other drivers. If it is outright stupidity by all means throw the book at them, but in most cases doing 5 to 10 kays over is not dangerous.

As we all know most speed camera stuff is purely revenue raising, in Vic any way. Here they recently changed the rules to allow them to put cameras at the bottom of hills and to hide or disguise them.

And please don't reply with the cliche "If you don't speed you won't get fined" because IMO spending so much time with eyes glued to the speedo is more dangerous than 5 k's over.

As a side note, my brother who does not drive much likes speed cameras. He reckons that if they did not have them then they would have to find the revenue some other way, which might cost him.

[newhue]

Ive copped enough speeding fines in my time, plus a good behaviour bond,
I say if your speeding cough up,

I never flash my lights to warn of cops or Mobile camera , only if they are approaching some other hazard.
.

That said, the hypocrite that I am, Oncoming flashers have probably saved me a fine or two !! :twisted:

I used to think like that as well, speeding, stuff em. But more recently I just can't subscribe to the cameras at the bottom of hills, of just within the new speed zone, or on roads that have never had an accident. If some mug is doing 80 in the 60 then fair go. But as Wippy states 5-10 over is bollocks.
Non of us can do with a $150 or so fine at this time of year or any because you were doing 67 in a 60 zone, down a hill, on a straight bit of road, 30 meters behind the car in front.
It's like the government in punishing the public because they sold all the assets over the years and have no money, and its all the publics fault. The road toll average is around 1300 deaths a year nationally. No mention of making car manufactures slow cars down, or blocking texting when the motor is running. No gutless Government just slams the people in traffic fines because its a user pays system. And happily watches as more and more powerful cars hit the market every day.
Mean while suicide is around 1600, no money in that. And perhaps all the stupid rules we have these days may contribute significantly to some of those unfortunate soles position. Prostate cancer I think is at 3000, no money in those guys either, breast cancer is around 1200, the deaths just keep going on. But 1200 road users die, shock horror.

phew, time to calm down. But yes, that's why I flash my lights nowadays.

[digger]

I used to think like that as well, speeding, stuff em. But more recently I just can't subscribe to the cameras at the bottom of hills, of just within the new speed zone, or on roads that have never had an accident. If some mug is doing 80 in the 60 then fair go. But as Wippy states 5-10 over is bollocks.
Non of us can do with a $150 or so fine at this time of year or any because you were doing 67 in a 60 zone, down a hill, on a straight bit of road, 30 meters behind the car in front.
It's like the government in punishing the public because they sold all the assets over the years and have no money, and its all the publics fault. The road toll average is around 1300 deaths a year nationally. No mention of making car manufactures slow cars down, or blocking texting when the motor is running. No gutless Government just slams the people in traffic fines because its a user pays system. And happily watches as more and more powerful cars hit the market every day.
Mean while suicide is around 1600, no money in that. And perhaps all the stupid rules we have these days may contribute significantly to some of those unfortunate soles position. Prostate cancer I think is at 3000, no money in those guys either, breast cancer is around 1200, the deaths just keep going on. But 1200 road users die, shock horror.



phew, time to calm down. But yes, that's why I flash my lights nowadays.

Jason,

when did we stop caring about the other 100 that died???

somewhere in the few sentences above??

(Sorry - couldnt resist :twisted: )

[digger]

hey digger what the go with flashing my lights to on coming traffic. I've taken a bit of an anti establishment shine to all the speed cameras and fines. Not our fault the Government sold all our assets. And more people die from suicide, or prostate cancer per year nationally than the national road toll. But still the Gov treat us like we are all useless.

So I flash a fair bit these days, what's the general go beside being wrong. Will I saw a mate, or accidentally flicked the lever when going to indicate cut it for an excuse if caught. I think the fine is only $40 here in Qld so not real loss.
I also coasted past a camera at 15km/h the other day. Me thinks if people stop to look at anything these days, than perhaps I can create a little traffic jam around ol mate doing his paper work in the van.

****s me how they sit on straight roads with down hill inclines and say they are pinging people for the good of all and road safety. rubbish.


There are a few views within the people I know...

1) fair enough!

2) there is a judgement that its hinder police (if a police set up)

3) it is an offence to use headlights to dazzle other road users (eg flash)

4) it is an offence to fail to dip headlights (eg high beam - which is what the flash is) within 200m of oncoming vehicle

In SA the fine may not impress you....

I'll see if I can find them for you...


OK remember that each of these has an additional $60 added when issued...

218(1) Using headlights on high-beam $218
219 Using lights to dazzle other road users $218


and the slow down...be careful!

125(1) Unreasonably obstructing path of other driver or pedestrian $104


cheers!

[newhue]

Ohhhhhhh digger your no fun. I love the dazzle terminology. Be funny if that is in the text book.

One observation though, it seems ok for an ambulance, fire engine, or police car to dazzle the traffic in a large scale kind of way, from behind or approaching, but unsaffe or naughty for me to dazzle oncoming cars in a community awareness kind of way. Weird hey :)

[Disco Muppet]

Ohhhhhhh digger your no fun. I love the dazzle terminology. Be funny if that is in the text book.

One observation though, it seems ok for an ambulance, fire engine, or police car to dazzle the traffic in a large scale kind of way, from behind or approaching, but unsaffe or naughty for me to dazzle oncoming cars in a community awareness kind of way. Weird hey :)

I've only ever seen emergency service vehicles use hi-beams during the day, and comparing the emergency service flashing lights to concentrated hi-beams/driving lights is a bit of a flawed comparison, although the LED flashers can be rather dazzling.
And, of course there's a big thing we're forgetting.....
They're emergency services vehicles...
FWIW, I also flash my lights, but only for certain things such as a hazard on the road (suddenly stopped traffic, animals, etc), speed traps (the contractor ones) or an approaching EMS vehicle.

I also flash my lights at people I know, and ******* who don't dip their high beams :)

[newhue]

I think the whole dazzle with high beam during the day is a bit of a long bow. But it helps pay the bills so I guess I'll take it dry.:eek:
It's all of 1/4 to 1/2 a second generally. And even if some muppet drives along with their lights on high beam during the day, unless you stare into the light it doesn't affect your driving as you approach them.
To me it just another way the government traps it's people and makes them pay. Obstructing justice, or perhaps revenue.

[digger]

Ohhhhhhh digger your no fun. I love the dazzle terminology. Be funny if that is in the text book.

One observation though, it seems ok for an ambulance, fire engine, or police car to dazzle the traffic in a large scale kind of way, from behind or approaching, but unsaffe or naughty for me to dazzle oncoming cars in a community awareness kind of way. Weird hey :)

I'll have you know I'm tall, dark and handsome and a barrel of laughs....

well, Im not that tall so really its Im average dark, handsome and a barrel of laughs

Actually, Im not that dark either so really its Im average, pale, handsome and a barrel of laughs

well, in reality, Im not that handsome either so really its Im average, pale, ugly and a barrel of laughs

Ummm , I cannot lie to you guys.... I'm not that funny either....

so... Im average, pale, ugly and a barrel........

MMMM


anyway..... the Dazzle term is copied directly from the legislation.. as for the emergency vehicle lights, we need them even more now because with everyone in hermetically sealed cars nowdays they cannot hear us!!

(all of that for one measley line...)

[Basil135]

as for the emergency vehicle lights, we need them even more now because with everyone in hermetically sealed cars nowadays they cannot hear us!!




I think you might upset some Defender & 101 pilots with that comment...

Don't they have the original 2 20 air conditioning? (2 windows, 20 Mph)



:wasntme:

[dullbird]

using lights to dazzle other road users....

is this a strick liability offence? so you just have to be caught with the hi beams on and you don't have to prove anything else for the offence such as actual dazzled road users?

Just curious

[digger]

I think you might upset some Defender & 101 pilots with that comment...

Don't they have the original 2 20 air conditioning? (2 windows, 20 Mph)



:wasntme:

I have a defender and I know all series, stage 1, defender and 101 drivers always move over to let the vehicles through as we all can hear them coming.... and its 2 x 40 now.... (that puma motor gets up and boogies :) )

[digger]

using lights to dazzle other road users....

is this a strick liability offence? so you just have to be caught with the hi beams on and you don't have to prove anything else for the offence such as actual dazzled road users?

Just curious

yes, if we observe the lights in that state (high beam or with "driving lights" on ) then its eligible for a 'stinger' .... doesnt always get one, more often a chat with the driver will do but there again people cant help themselves and attitude can dictate a caution changing from a caution to a stinger!!

[Disco Muppet]

using lights to dazzle other road users....

is this a strick liability offence? so you just have to be caught with the hi beams on and you don't have to prove anything else for the offence such as actual dazzled road users?

Just curious



Pretty sure most 'traffic infringement' type offences are strict liability, IIRC.

[newhue]

[SIZE="3"]

I'll have you know I'm tall, dark and handsome and a barrel of laughs....

well, Im not that tall so really its Im average dark, handsome and a barrel of laughs

Actually, Im not that dark either so really its Im average, pale, handsome and a barrel of laughs

well, in reality, Im not that handsome either so really its Im average, pale, ugly and a barrel of laughs

Ummm , I cannot lie to you guys.... I'm not that funny either....

so... Im average, pale, ugly and a barrel........

MMMM

SNIP


well then, with all due respect, you don't sound like traffic branch then. Those blokes have no sense of humour.

How about a variant of the old enthusiastic landy wave. I could hang out the window encouraging on coming traffic to slow down. :D Is there a law against that type of carry as well.