Beware of a Poole Speed Camera

[grumpy_o_g]

You seem to be choosing the terms of your argument, here.
Its pretty simple. You are not allowed to drive above the legal speed limit.
I dont see the method of catching you should somehow alleviate the offence.
Are you not one step away from suggesting its ok to speed as long as you dont get caught?
Incidentally, to elsewhere, the 14 day isnt rigid in the timing through the front door. Plod or whoever would have to prove they processed it within 14 days.

Laws have to be absolutes - black or white. When they aren't is when you get problems such as being done for driving without due care because you were eating a kit-kat whilst waiting at traffic lights and similar. Similarly a badly worded or applied law can have the opposite effect to that which is intended.

Real life is full of greys and judgement calls. No-one is disputing that speeding is breaking the law - the issue is that the law is being in-appropriately and inconsistently applied and in many circumstances is simply not needed.

The junction in question is poorly planned and unnecessarily complex. It need only be a straight forward roundabout that everyone understands. As it is I have to go from the centre to the left-hand of three lanes in order to turn right as I approach a set of traffic lights immediately before a roundabout, and that's after a whole load of other distractions.

There should be a clearly marked and very obvious speed camera on the approach to bring people's speed down as they APPROACH the roundabout I agree. Ironically that's what I got caught by, not the ones on the junction itself.

[Soap Box Mode /OFF]

 

[Pennpromo]

Back to the camera on Hole Bay.
I drive by it every day on the way to work and I checked again today.
Roughly 300m before is the nice 50mph repeater.
Roughly 200m before is the nice BIG 30mph sign.
Roughly 100m before is a dinky little 30mph repeater with a speed camera warning sign.

...What will catch a lot of people out unless they are paying 100% attention (of course we should be) is the first 50mph repeater. You just cruise on at 50 regardless.

Be careful and drive safely

Tom[/QUOTE]

Yup I was caught on it last week, always thought it was a traffie light camera. Two guys in front of me were flashed too and I couldn't work out why, as it was well below freezing I thought the camera was broken! Drove past there twice last week in the other direction, (northbound), and saw two more get flashed. I bet that camera makes about £10K a week! I always thought that area was 50, can't see why it should be 30. Anyone know when it changed to speed and light camera ? I was doing 39 on ths summons, probably too high for the classroom session. Last speeding ticket was in late 2005 ...

 

[Tranona]

The junction in question is poorly planned and unnecessarily complex. It need only be a straight forward roundabout that everyone understands. As it is I have to go from the centre to the left-hand of three lanes in order to turn right as I approach a set of traffic lights immediately before a roundabout, and that's after a whole load of other distractions.

Just not so! Having lived here for 30 years and watched the various traffic management schemes at this junction, the current arrangement is far and away the best - provided people are awake and follow the very clear signage and markings on the road. The worst was the original roundabout because there is not enough space to provide for the volume of traffic and the complex changes of direction. However, for it to work it needs people to understand why they need to select the correct lane, even if it means sitting behind other cars for a few seconds - when it seems they would rather be in the wrong lane and then have to cut in in front of other people when they arrive at their desired exit! One can sort of excuse visitors who are making their way to the ferry terminal (although they are probably a thing of the past now Barfleur has finished) - but in my experience the culprits are local people who know perfectly well which exit they need.

 

[oGaryo]

Just be thankful that you don't work in Hemel Hempstead and live in Milton Keynes.. you leave a myriad of roundabouts behind you when setting off to work to be confronted by the chuffin' Magic Roundabout on arrival!! it's no wonder my life's going round in circles at the moment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Hemel_Hempstead)

 

[Seahope]

Well my 'blowing-off steam' post seems to have brought out some strong opinions, which was not my purpose.

I accept that I was in the wrong and should pay the fine. I clearly missed a number of indications that the speed limit was being reduced to 30 on a dual-carriageway which means that I was not paying sufficient attention. I am not going to defend myself further. I will say that my second pair of eyes also missed this speed limit change.

I have read that the multitude of speed cameras on the approach roads to Poole will be replaced by average speed cameras which I think engenders a smoother type of driving and will really reduce accidents.

I do think that all speed restrictions should be periodically reviewed by a cross-section of society because the H&S types will, unfettered, have us all pushing our cars in the end - if the Green lobby hasn't beaten them to it.

 

[Robin]

Yup I was caught on it last week, always thought it was a traffie light camera. Two guys in front of me were flashed too and I couldn't work out why, as it was well below freezing I thought the camera was broken! Drove past there twice last week in the other direction, (northbound), and saw two more get flashed. I bet that camera makes about £10K a week! I always thought that area was 50, can't see why it should be 30. Anyone know when it changed to speed and light camera ? I was doing 39 on ths summons, probably too high for the classroom session. Last speeding ticket was in late 2005 ...

See my earlier post #12. The cameras originally were for people who jumped the lights, fairy nuff. Then they realised there was more money to be made if they caught anyone accelerating to cross before they changed to red and consequently weren't caught for jumping the lights.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Just not so! Having lived here for 30 years and watched the various traffic management schemes at this junction, the current arrangement is far and away the best - provided people are awake and follow the very clear signage and markings on the road. The worst was the original roundabout because there is not enough space to provide for the volume of traffic and the complex changes of direction. However, for it to work it needs people to understand why they need to select the correct lane, even if it means sitting behind other cars for a few seconds - when it seems they would rather be in the wrong lane and then have to cut in in front of other people when they arrive at their desired exit! One can sort of excuse visitors who are making their way to the ferry terminal (although they are probably a thing of the past now Barfleur has finished) - but in my experience the culprits are local people who know perfectly well which exit they need.

I've "only" lived here 20 years so I know the damned thing pretty well too. I reckon we'll have to agree to dis-agree. To me it definitely is another planning gem from the instigators of the twin-sails bridge - so does just about every one else I know.

It's generally regarded as a bit of mess I know but then they made it worse by adding cameras and pedestrian crossings and all sorts. All it needed was a bit of thought - such as don't build a huge Asda right by the railway station/bus terminus and then expect people to cross a very busy three lane carriageway coming on to busy roundabout and a whole bunch of traffic lights to get from one to the other - and it is so counter intuitive to move over to the left and then go right around the outside of the roundabout to turn right that it's very difficult to do it even if you use the junction frequently.

 

[Tranona]

I've "only" lived here 20 years so I know the damned thing pretty well too. I reckon we'll have to agree to dis-agree. To me it definitely is another planning gem from the instigators of the twin-sails bridge - so does just about every one else I know.

It's generally regarded as a bit of mess I know but then they made it worse by adding cameras and pedestrian crossings and all sorts. All it needed was a bit of thought - such as don't build a huge Asda right by the railway station/bus terminus and then expect people to cross a very busy three lane carriageway coming on to busy roundabout and a whole bunch of traffic lights to get from one to the other - and it is so counter intuitive to move over to the left and then go right around the outside of the roundabout to turn right that it's very difficult to do it even if you use the junction frequently.

Suggest you sit down and think logically. The lane markings are determined by the exits, not the entry and if everybody followed them there would be no problem. The thing that throws people coming down Holes Bay Road is the two usually empty lanes on the right hand side - empty because the traffic flow to go through 180 degrees is minimal. However the need to keep these two lanes clear becomes immediately obvious when traffic comes in from the bridge on the left - most of it wanting to go north. Just look at the snarl ups caused by the plonkers in those two lanes who actually know they want to go into the town centre or to the docks - but are in the wrong lane and can only get there by cutting across folks who are in the right lane.. Happens everyday - selfish people who can't be bothered to work things out for themselves - never mind follow clear instructions!

And BTW the left hand lane is not to go right but signposted for the two first exits on the left. No wonder you have problems if you can't work out the logic in that.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Just be thankful that you don't work in Hemel Hempstead and live in Milton Keynes.. you leave a myriad of roundabouts behind you when setting off to work to be confronted by the chuffin' Magic Roundabout on arrival!! it's no wonder my life's going round in circles at the moment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Hemel_Hempstead)

Are yes, the HH magic roundabout. I know it well and shall be negotiating it once more today. I like it. It may be organised bedlam especially for foreign truck drivers but it works well in shifting the maximum number of vehicles through a complex junction in the minumum amount of time. I'm not sure the present breed of HSE obsessed traffic engineers would design such an heroically efficient piece of road engineering these days. There's another similar arrangement in High Wycombe so with the one in Milton Keynes, that makes 3 in Bucks. It probably indicates that traffic engineers consider we Bucks drivers to be a cut above the average and well able to handle these complex road arrangements unlike, it seems, Dorset drivers

 

[Robin]

Suggest you sit down and think logically. The lane markings are determined by the exits, not the entry and if everybody followed them there would be no problem. The thing that throws people coming down Holes Bay Road is the two usually empty lanes on the right hand side - empty because the traffic flow to go through 180 degrees is minimal. However the need to keep these two lanes clear becomes immediately obvious when traffic comes in from the bridge on the left - most of it wanting to go north. Just look at the snarl ups caused by the plonkers in those two lanes who actually know they want to go into the town centre or to the docks - but are in the wrong lane and can only get there by cutting across folks who are in the right lane.. Happens everyday - selfish people who can't be bothered to work things out for themselves - never mind follow clear instructions!

And BTW the left hand lane is not to go right but signposted for the two first exits on the left. No wonder you have problems if you can't work out the logic in that.

All that logical thought as well as watching the lane markings. lights changes and the speedometer, ooops bang, bugger!

Glad we don't often go that way!

 

[oGaryo]

Are yes, the HH magic roundabout. I know it well and shall be negotiating it once more today. I like it. It may be organised bedlam especially for foreign truck drivers but it works well in shifting the maximum number of vehicles through a complex junction in the minumum amount of time. I'm not sure the present breed of HSE obsessed traffic engineers would design such an heroically efficient piece of road engineering these days. There's another similar arrangement in High Wycombe so with the one in Milton Keynes, that makes 3 in Bucks. It probably indicates that traffic engineers consider we Bucks drivers to be a cut above the average and well able to handle these complex road arrangements unlike, it seems, Dorset drivers

Agree it's a work of art and an excellent design once mastered (as is Milton Keynes traffic system) I worked for Eastman Kodak for several years and it was 'entertaining' watching the uninitiated attempt to get across the magic roundabout from high up in the old Kodak skyscraper over the road... no doubt most of these roundabout newb's were venturing up north from Dorset

 

[Al Dickson]

Most Scamera partnerships are one man & his dog operations - the courts could not cope if even 50% of us challenged these intended prosecutions and there are a number of things that can invalidate them. From taking too long to serve the notice to incorrectly calibrated equiptment, inaccurate road markings, signs etc etc etc.

The man & his dog work on the principal of "Brits like to own up so as long as 75% give in easily we make a fortune"


You should at least return the form saying that indeed you were driving but they refute the allegation they were speeding and demand photographic evidence to back up the claim.


Take your time - they only have a certain length of time to charge you.

 

[Nautibusiness]

I have read that the multitude of speed cameras on the approach roads to Poole will be replaced by average speed cameras which I think engenders a smoother type of driving and will really reduce accidents.

Arrrr, now those I really do hate.
Personally I see them as a major danger to motorists.
You drive the entire stretch that is covered by these cameras watching your speedo rather than the road.
The number of near misses I've witnessed from people only just looking up in time...

Nasty things!

Guess they are fine if you have a nice healthy cruise control system or adjustable limiter, but when you are in a crummy old Vectra that is way past the scrappage scheme it makes life rather tireing.

Tom

 

[Tranona]

All that logical thought as well as watching the lane markings. lights changes and the speedometer, ooops bang, bugger!

Glad we don't often go that way!

All quite simple when you re-adjust yourself to the fact that it is a traffic management system and it is easier if you go with it rather than fight it!

As can be seen from other posts there are much more complex systems around in other parts of the country that work. Problem with Dorset is that there is such a shortage of dual cariageway roadspace that 3 lanes at one location confuses people into thinking they must use them all (preferably at the same time) or they will be taken away!

 

[nonitoo]

Take your time - they only have a certain length of time to charge you.

Six months I believe, but if the NIP is presented correctly, then you would have difficulty stringing it out for 5 1/2 months without the CPS taking measures to bring you to court, methinks !!

If, in the end, you do plead guilty, then the costs alone would be far in excess of the Fixed Penalty you may well have been offered and declined.

I'm assuming that the excess speed was not above the limit where a FP would apply (normally about 15-20 mph above the limit depending on the particular forces' routines). Then it is automatically a court summons.

If you are innocent of the offence then you should fight it in court.

Tom

 

[Dave_Seager]

Arrrr, now those I really do hate.
Personally I see them as a major danger to motorists.
You drive the entire stretch that is covered by these cameras watching your speedo rather than the road.
The number of near misses I've witnessed from people only just looking up in time...

Nasty things!

Guess they are fine if you have a nice healthy cruise control system or adjustable limiter, but when you are in a crummy old Vectra that is way past the scrappage scheme it makes life rather tireing.

Tom

Does this mean that you are unable to comply with any speed limits in your old Vectra (with or without cameras)?

 

[Nautibusiness]

Does this mean that you are unable to comply with any speed limits in your old Vectra (with or without cameras)?

LOL!
It does have a sticky throttle, but no. More the point that the avergage speed cameras mean that unless you do have cruise control or a limiter you are driving along with a very wary eye on the speedo rather than the road.

Sure, "Why not simply drive at considerably less than the speed limit and then there will be no fear of breaking the average." Would be fine, but where these average speed cameras tend to be is where there is a steady flow of fairly heavy traffic with all drivers intent on driving at exactly (eg) 50 through the entire stretch. No more, no less, exactly 50.

Not saying it's right, but it is human nature.

Tom

 

[gjgm]

No-one is disputing that speeding is breaking the law - the issue is that the law is being in-appropriately and inconsistently applied and in many circumstances is simply not needed.

[Soap Box Mode /OFF]

You have me stumped.. how can you are argue that in certain cirumstances the speed laws are needed and in others they are not?
Surely the only reason that people complain is that they have been caught? Arguments along the line that, yes, I was driving above the legal speed limit, but its not fair I get fined bcz I didnt know about /see the speed camera, are to my mind, ludicrous.
Its pretty simple..30 mph means 30 mph. If you drive in excess of the speed limit, face the possible consequences.
I m not suggesting that I am any saint here, but if I get a fine.. well its me in control of the car, so its me that takes it on the chin.Who else should be to blame?

 

[timgriffin]

If you have not been caught speeding before they will offer you the chance to go on a half day course on speeding (this is done at Winfrith), if you go there will be no points just the fine.

Just done my course very enlightening regarding the rules and why it's 30mph.
Take the punishment and learn from the course .
Tim

 

[Dave_Seager]

Just done my course very enlightening regarding the rules and why it's 30mph.
Take the punishment and learn from the course .
Tim

I used to feel that 30mph was very slow until I studied for the Institute of Advanced Motorists test. When I focussed on identifying all of the potential hazards in a built up area I felt that 30mph was usually more than enough. We were trained to treat every other road user, including pedestians and dogs and also every driveway as a potential hazard. We also had to note every road sign and keep an eye on the road surface. There is usually plenty to keep one occupied within the speed limits.