Safety Camera Whinge

[06eleven]

Ask for ALL photographs taken. You cannot and should not be fined unless the lights in ALL photographs show the lights as red. Speed/red light cameras do not take just one image, but a sequence of two or three photographs (depending on location).

Next, make sure you get the original unedited photographs. It is common practive for edited (cropped) photographs to be provided, and even split image photographs.

You can also request the fault history (false trigger history) of the particular intersection.

The detectors used for red light cameras are the same inductance loops that are used for sequencing traffic lights and detecting traffic density. If even one photograph shows that you were past the stop line, then the infringement is not legitimate as the offence is entering an intersection with a red light displayed.

Going by the competence of the Victorian authorities, you could well have a legitimate complaint. Just the other night there was a news item where a huge number of red light infringements that had to be withdrawn because the red came on too soon after the yellow was displayed (it varies depending on the speed limit).

Unfortunately ALL jusirdictions take the attitude that it will cost several thousand dollars to challenge it in court, and this is much larger than the fine. A point to note is that under most insurance policies, you must disclose all traffic offences to the insurer, and this can see your premiums go up.

Take legal advice, but the twisted thing is that paying the penalty is the same as admitting guilt.

Oh yes, if you challenge and are successful, make sure that the RTA (RMS or whatever they are called this week) do not apply demerit points (seeing as you indicate you are from Sydney in your profile).

Thanks. There's a lot of information that I wasn't aware of/hadn't considered. Will definitely be following this advice if/when an infringement arrives.

[Spyda]

Having spoken with people who set these things up the sensor is on the line (most times u can see where they have cut to fit it) and it doesnt switch on till the light is red. Some cameras also detect the car, they take 2 photos so they can judge the speed or u stoped on the line.....so u can make the camera go nuts if you turn on a green arrow from the right lane which is red hehe.
I dont think u need to worry if u didnt cross the line whilst it was red.