So what speed recordings are actually correct, Mr Popo?

**Rogue Rider** · 26th July 2010, 19:03

On My ticket I got last week, the popo alleged that I was doing 92km per hr. I disputed that the fastest I was travelling was 84km per hour, and that I had slowed below that upon searching for a safe place to pull over.
My popo was actually quite pleasant to talk to, though he argued that I was still speeding. I explained that that I was adamant, I was in fact not speeding as I could clearly see him in his location, and that it was not possible I was going any more than 84km per hour as indicated on my digital speedo.
He hinted perhaps my speedo was incorrect, and that his radar could be up to 2km per hour incorrect........
On the way home there is a digital speed display sign, so I decided to check my speed. It clearly indicated my speed was infact 4-6 km under the limit.
I tested my speedo at the bike shop, and also on gps, and guess what, all indicated accurately that my speed is correct if not less by 4-8km depending on the apparatus used.
.

I am contesting my ticket.

**marty** · 26th July 2010, 19:40

depending on cosine error, radar can have error of up to 5km/h or more, however that error is always to the trackees advantage.

if the offence is exceeds 70km/h, then any speed above that (even 84) completes the ingredients. the arguement is only by how much. you will have to show a calibrated speedo error that is seriously in your favour to have any chance

good luck

**Rogue Rider** · 26th July 2010, 20:30

My line was that the speed limit was 80km per hour, according to my limit I was, yes, over by 4km.
However thats only 10 demerits, if I was actually over by 4km in reality. However I got ticketed for 92 in an 80km zone, which made the ticket 20 demerits. Then the guys comes out and says his machine could be out 2km.....
I shouldn't have been ticketed at all in my view, but a hard noser wouyld have had to ticket me at the speed of 84km with 4km over and 10 demerits.....

10 demerits I would have just paid it, 20, that hurts.... and I feel is corrupt

**scumdog** · 26th July 2010, 20:36

The devices always 'err' on the side of the subject.(you)

**Berries** · 26th July 2010, 21:08

Obviously the cop had been reading some of your other recent threads, and simply kept the reading from an earlier car he caught at 92.

**SMOKEU** · 26th July 2010, 22:05

Originally Posted by scumdog

The devices always 'err' on the side of the subject.(you)

What about the device who is operating said device?

**Coldrider** · 26th July 2010, 23:45

The road side digital displays read up and down depending on the weather.

**davereid** · 27th July 2010, 08:14

Originally Posted by Rogue Rider

On My ticket I got last week, the popo alleged that I was doing 92km per hr. I disputed that the fastest I was travelling was 84km per hour, and that I had slowed below that upon searching for a safe place to pull over.

There are lots of technical reasons why a radar unit may give an incorrect reading, they are most certainly not infallible.

Common ones are
-the inability of the unit to identify its target, so it was actually tracking another vehicle
-the unit miscalculation of patrol car speed - caused by adjacent vehicles travelling the same direction
-multipath reflections causing cross modulation

Good operators will often spot these things. But the stalker is very convincing to use. It gives the operator a feeling that it is always right.

IMHO the policeman genuinely thinks you were speeding.

For the few $$ involved, depending on your mindset, it is not financially worth dispute, but it may make you feel better to challenge it.

That's my view, as I'm a bloody-minded old cunt. (You noticed huh ?)

You may feel better just paying it and putting it behind you.

**Patrick** · 27th July 2010, 16:26

Originally Posted by Coldrider

The road side digital displays read up and down depending on the weather.

And they aren't calibrated every year.....

Originally Posted by davereid

There are lots of technical reasons why a radar unit may give an incorrect reading, they are most certainly not infallible.

Common ones are
-the inability of the unit to identify its target, so it was actually tracking another vehicle

if there was another one....

-the unit miscalculation of patrol car speed - caused by adjacent vehicles travelling the same direction

the operator should be checking his patrol speed on the stalker to that onhis speedo....

-multipath reflections causing cross modulation

which would show slower than actual speed because of cosine effect?

Good operators will often spot these things. But the stalker is very convincing to use. It gives the operator a feeling that it is always right.

Not really...... If in doubt, leave it out..... they will come again....

IMHO the policeman genuinely thinks you were speeding.

.

Absolutely. Doubt = no ticket.

**p.dath** · 27th July 2010, 17:27

The only solution really is to have a calibrated data recorder. Otherwise you really have nothing as evidence you can use.

**Spearfish** · 27th July 2010, 17:44

Originally Posted by p.dath

The only solution really is to have a calibrated data recorder. Otherwise you really have nothing as evidence you can use.

Even the data recorder being calibrated every year will cost more than the ticket, and then there is the risk (depending on your riding style) of exposing the reason why not many bikers use permanent video gear for insurance evidence like they're starting to overseas.

**sinned** · 27th July 2010, 17:48

Originally Posted by Spearfish

Even the data recorder being calibrated every year will cost more than the ticket, and then there is the risk (depending on your riding style) of exposing the reason why not many bikers use permanent video gear for insurance evidence like they're starting to overseas.

Can you tell us more about this - a link?

**Owl** · 27th July 2010, 18:11

Originally Posted by Rogue Rider

He hinted perhaps my speedo was incorrect

He's probably right, but they read 5-6% higher than actual speed. Unless it has been re-calibrated of course?

**rastuscat** · 27th July 2010, 18:16

The Popo almost certainly believes he is right, or he wouldn't have written the ticket. Lets face it, enough people speed, they don't have to make it up.

Also a factor is that he has probably been lied to by drivers several times on the day he stopped you. And that makes him sceptical, and non-believing of peoples reasons/excuses.

I have personally been told about a million times that I didn't see what I have just seen, so either I am the blindest Popo in the world or folk are telling me porkies.

One other thing to ponder is the number of times you have exceeded the speed limit and not been caught. If you believe in karma, suck it up and pay the ticket.

Of course, if you are on 90 demerits already, defend it. It's almost worth a go, even if you will probably lose. But also consider that getting to 90 demerits means you just might not be a perfect driver.

So there.