Motorists see red over speed camera confusion (From The Northern Echo)

Motorists see red over speed camera confusion

10:48am Tuesday 13th May 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

HAVE YOUR SAY: Share your views about the camera problems on the A66

MOTORISTS are joining forces after being caught speeding by what they claim was an erring speed camera.

The group is getting together over shared experiences at roadworks on the outskirts of Stockton.

They allege a camera on the A66 at Long Newton was re-calibrated to catch drivers ignoring a 50mph speed limit for roadworks - ahead of road signs warning road users of the new speed restriction.

Motorist Linda Greenwood, who is consulting a solicitor tomorrow, says there were no speed limit signs in position ahead of the fixed speed camera at Long Newton, on the A66 - only after it.

Mrs Greenwood, of Redcar, east Cleveland, uses the dual carriageway to travel to Darlington, where she works. She said she was travelling at 64mph, slowing down for the 50mph warning in place for the construction of a new interchange, when she was caught on camera on April 7.

She said: "I thought nothing of it, as the 50-sign was still after the camera. I double checked this the next day. A week later the sign was moved, so it was before the camera. I received a notice of intent to prosecute on April 15.

Mrs Greenwood said: "I would say many people have received tickets in this period. I have written to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary.

Mrs Greenwood has details of 47 motorists who have received tickets or agreed to act as witnesses for her appeal.

She said: "We are getting together and sharing notes, because it's wrong. There was no sign in front of the camera. If it was correct I would just pay up, content to take the rap. But I was not speeding at that time."

She viewed the footage from the camera last Friday.

Cleveland Police say the 50mph sign spotted by motorists after the camera was a "repeater" sign - and a legal requirement.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are satisfied the contractor placed the 50mph entry speed signs prior to the camera and the signs were in play by noon on March 31."

Because of technical problems, the same camera was not in operation between 10am on Sunday March 31, and 11.41am April 3 when no one received a ticket.

• Print
• Email
• Share