Speeding

As technology advances reliance is now almost exclusively placed on the use of electronic devices for detecting speeding offences.

They include cameras – GATSO, and the SPECS system -- TRUVELO, a device which uses a road sensor to detect speed, VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder), speedometers and hand held laser and radar devices.

They must be properly calibrated and used only by police officers who are specifically trained in their operation. There are also guidelines that should be strictly observed governing the way they are used.

That is why it is important to look very carefully at the circumstances under which the device is operated. There are a number of checks the police officer has to comply with before this evidence is admissible. It may therefore be possible to challenge the accuracy of the speed detected by the device, and the prosecution may not be able to prove the offence.