Caught speeding by a member of the public?

Question

Hi there

I was driving to work today when noticed someone sitting on a wall with, what I was lead to believe, was a speed gun. It was a 40mph zone and I realised at the last moment that I was doing 50

He was dressed in jeans with a high visability jacket and a bobble hat, and I'm very sure he managed to record my speed, unless he had been holding the gun incorrectly

I need a peace of mind. Will I get a fine for this? Or will I just get a warning?

Also how does this person manage to get hold of a speed gun and is it allowed?

Hope someone can help me

Thanks, Ryan

Answer 1

Everyone should be aware that speeders caught by a hand held cam should go to court and plead not guilty. The police have to prove that the Home Office has certified that camera and proof has to be shown that the camera was calibrated and tested that day before being used on the public. If they can't show that, and they wont, then there is no case to answer.

Answer 2

Its just someone trying to make a point about the speed of cars on that stretch of road.

It has no legal standing at all.

Answer 3

What everyone else says is right, but I don't think a copper has to be in uniform to conduct a speed check. It could possibly be a genuine speed trap.

Answer 4

No you won't get a fine it has to be a Police officer to be enforceable The Police are handing these out to "upstanding community" members to collate evidence and be a visual deterrent

Answer 5

Hi Ryan,

He was prob holding the gun wrong if he had a bobble hat on!LOL.

Just kidding but I have heard of the police giving residents speed guns but if I were you i would phone your local police station give them his location and tell them to confirm his position as you were a little worried what it was exactly he pointed at you!Anonymously of course!xx

Answer 6

Dont worry it`s just the local village idiot although you may get a letter you wont get a fine, next time run him over!

Answer 7

If this person was a member of the public operating a speed camera in a scheme run by some police forces in England&Wales then all you will receive is a letter by the local constabulary

Answer 8

He was just monitoring the speed and number of cars so they can decide if they need a bypass or traffic calming measures. like speed bumps etc.

Answer 9

Hi mate you should be safe as you  can only be legally be caught by a police officer, this person was either a council person assessing traffic speed to see if the road needs traffic calming measures, some one in that road has obviousely complained about people speeding so this is what they do now, you might even find a speed camera being installed along that road.

Any body can get hold of a speed gun, but there are strict rules about them, if you are caught by one you can ask to see the calibration certifcate if not avaliable then the speed can be deemed invalid.

Answer 10

As I understand it a member of the public cannot use a speed gun - I think there was a scheme where the public were considered to be used to check speed but it never came off.

I think you may be safe this time

Answer 11

In a local village to me a couple of years ago they had a trial working with the police where residents were given the equipment to monitor speeds in and out of the village. Don't know what became of it but I don't think they fine you , just warn you.

Answer 12

You can only receive a speeding fine from a police officer, they tried some time ago to issue members of the public speed cameras but the information gathered from these guy's was unreliable and could not be used as part of a prosecution.

You probably drove past a surveyor.

Ja.