Tag Archives: traffic offence

Electric corner signs alert riders

Signs that light up and display a safety alert and message if you are riding too fast for the corner are being trialled in the UK.

British company TWM Traffic Control Systems have developed the LED signs that include a radar sensor.

Be alert, not alarmed

But don’t worry! The smart alert signs are not designed to issue speeding tickets, says TWM spokesmen Chris Rayner. At least for now!

“It’s purely advisory,” he assures us.

“It’s to aid riders or drivers and alert them to the potential dangers ahead. What you can do is have a function to record the activity along the road, traffic counts, speeds etc.”

The sign will display the rider’s speed and an alert such as SLOW DOWN, or CRASH SITE and flash amber LEDs.

When the vehicle then slows down and the speed falls below the secondary threshold limit, the sign displays THANK YOU with the real-time speed.

Warning signs

It’s similar to speed alert signs used around Australia and a Texas University project that developed stop signs that light up as a vehicle approaches.

Safer stop signs alert
Texas electronic stop signs

The TWM signs may help riders handle dangerous decreasing radius corners, but we wonder what they consider a safe corner speed for each vehicle.

For example, a motorcycle could easily handle a corner at a higher speed than a sports car which would be better than an SUV which would be better than a truck…!

Chris says the signs would allow the authorities to monitor the impact of approach speeds.

“The averages and 85th percentiles will all be calculated so further measures can be put in place if needed,” he says.

Our concern is that this could lead lower speed limits!

“We have been doing similar signage for various dangers, hazards and speed indication since 2002,” Chris says.

“I’m a biker myself and we have been supplying Isle of Man with some of our DayBright units for enhanced pedestrian crossings … I’m speaking to them to see if the crash site (sign) is something they could utilise as well.”

While the signs may be advisory now, we wonder how long before authorities use them to issue speeding tickets!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Thanksgiving turkey attacks motorcycle cop!

Maybe we should carry a turkey with us on our motorcycles this Thanksgiving to protect us from getting a speeding ticket from the police.

It certainly worked for this driver who will be giving thanks to a turkey this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving turkey

The driver didn’t have the turkey in his car; it just showed up to rescue him from the motorcycle cop who had pulled him over for speeding.

But perhaps it would be a good idea to have one on hand!

Anyway, the incident occurred in San Francisco and the Livermore Police Department thought it funny enough to release the body camera video.

After the wild turkey chases the officer, he gives up and says: “You’re not getting a ticket, he doesn’t want you to get a ticket!”

We don’t think it was a Thanksgiving prank, but a genuine situation.

The department has also posted the video on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Maybe we should add turkeys to this guide on what to do when pulled over by police!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Helmet safety brake light may be illegal

A brake light that sticks to the back of a helmet and alerts tailgating drivers the rider is slowing down may be illegal in some states.

The Brake Free light is currently being crowd funded and Aussie rider Raphael Chan has signed on to receive and test the unit.

It consists of a slim unit stuck with adhesive tape that lights up whenever the rider slows, whether using the brake or just engine braking, as is often the case.Helmet safety brake light may be illegal

However, he contacted Motorbike Writer to find out if it is legal in Victoria after reading articles on our website about fines for having a camera attached to the helmet.

“Asking a police officer at the local cop shop hasn’t shed any light. He was just guessing at the answer and gave the safe answer of ‘no’ but to ask VicRoads,” he says.

“I’m trying to find out if it is a clear cut black and white NO to sticking anything to your helmet, or if it’s still open to interpretation depending on the policeman or under review for clarification.

“If it’s still a grey area, then I am prepared to risk a fine and increase my safety by testing the unit.”

Illegal in some states

Our understanding is that Victorian and South Australian police still believe it is illegal to attach anything to a helmet by any means, while NSW Police have held off issuing fines until Australian helmet rules are homogenised across all states.

That could take some time.

Meanwhile, Raphael and other supporters of this safety device to avoid being rear-ended are in a legal abyss.

The device is similar to the Smart Brake Light that we sell on our website because we believe it is a key safety feature.Helmet safety brake light may be illegal

However, that does not affect the compliance of helmets.

‘Expert advice’

We asked police and relevant departments in all states for their advice on whether Raphael would be fined for wearing the helmet.

A few replied and none was particularly certain.

Queensland Police HQ flat out refused to give legal advice. That’s strange since their officers give legal advice when they issue a fine!

How can a police officer on patrol confidently issue a ticket? How can they possibly have more knowledge on all the relevant road rules and laws than police HQ and relevant transport departments?

However, stranger things have happened and police have been found to incorrectly issue fines before.

Interestingly, Queensland Police have no concerns about action cameras and a previous state Police Minister actually suggested riders wear them for evidential reasons!

VicRoads just quoted us the usual Australian Standards stuff.

When we pointed out that the standard only applies at the point of purchase, they agreed.

They also admitted there is “no road rule specific to brake lights fitted to helmets” and said it would be open to police interpretation of the rules.

Great. So, no firm decision!

Novelty coversNovelty santa xmas motorcycle helmet cover

We had similar concerns over the legality of wearing novelty helmet covers such as Santa hats won on charity toy runs.

On both issues, most police say that so long as the attachment doesn’t interfere with the function or safety of the helmet it can be attached.

But how do we know it won’t affect the safety of the helmet?

Safety experts say helmets are designed so that in a crash and slide, nothing will catch on the ground and rotate your head, leading to neck injuries. But there is no empirical evidence to prove it does adversely affect safety.

Victorian Police were the sole objectors to Santa and other novelty helmet covers.Novelty santa xmas motorcycle helmet cover

On the issue of the brake light, they said helmets must comply to the Australian Standards.

“As far as I am aware (the standards) do not allow for the attachments to motorcycle helmets to be made,” the spokeswoman said.

South Australia police said it was an ADR issue, but the brake light is not attached to the bike, so how could that affect helmet compliance?

Western Australia police flick-passed it to the light manufacturer to work with each helmet manufacturer to ensure that the helmet remains legal according to Australian Standards when the light is attached.

That’s virtually impossible. Do they know how many helmet manufacturers there are in the world!

WA police say you cannot alter the structure of an approved helmet by drilling holes, placing stickers or painting a helmet.

“So sticky adhesive pads for accessories are dependent on the quality of the helmet,” they say.

Conclusion

Our answer is “user beware”!

If you’re like Raphael, you may think your safety is more important than risking the off-chance of a fine.

The onus is then on the rider to challenge a fine in court and risk the ensuing costs.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

White line fine hypocritical, says rider

A rider who clipped an unbroken white line at the end of a painted traffic island on the Centenary Motorway, Brisbane, has had his fine upheld in court.

Tristan Holland claims it is hypocritical for Queensland Police to fine him while not fining the driver whose car he it when it performed an illegal u-turn across double white lines.

He claims he didn’t touch the white line and challenged the matter in court.

Police relied on blurry photographic evidence from a body cam taken about 90m from the scene.

Tristan Holland police hypocrisy white line
Police infringement notice photo

Tristan says the fine was upheld in court last week.

“The magistrate stated that if it was on the basis of the video footage alone it would have been thrown out,” he says.

“When I mentioned safety during cross examining the QPS officer I was shut down as it was deemed not relevant.

“At the end of the day the officer stated that that intersection is notorious for this offence to occur so ergo the offence was deemed to have happened even though his line of sight at distance (90m) was impaired.”

White line hypocrisy

Meanwhile, Tristan says a driver who caused him to crash his motorcycle into their car after dangerously crossing a painted traffic island has not been fined by police.

“This morning I had a car do an illegal u-turn off a ‘turn left with care’ slip road right in front of me leaving me with nowhere to go,” says Tristan who was “battered and bruised”.

His 2016 Suzuki Hayabusa was damaged, but still rideable.

Tristan Holland police hypocrisy
Tristan’s Busa at the scene of the crash

He reported the crash to Police Link, but says it was deemed a “non-reportable traffic incident” because no one was taken away in an ambulance.

“That means the QPS will not investigate nor issue any infringement notice to the driver,” Tristan says.

U-turn rider slams police hypcrisy crash accident traffic offence
Red Busa dent on door

“There is no doubt the crash occurred because of the damage to the car’s door and my bike, plus the driver admitted fault to his insurance company.

“So why no infringement notice?U-turn rider slams police hypcrisy crash accident traffic offence

“I find it interesting that QPS will not investigate this, but will hound drivers/riders for allegedly crossing a solid white line based on questionable video footage from 90m away.

“So if you break the law, cause an accident, provided no one is injured, then you don’t loose any demerit points.

“But, if you break the law, hurt no one and police have video footage you are treated like a criminal.

“On the plus side, the driver has accepted liability for repairs. I will have to wait until 2020 to see if they accept liability for CTP insurance.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Defences to a Lidar speeding fine

Speeding fines based on Lidar or radar readings are difficult to defend, but not impossible, says NSW traffic and criminal law specialist Chris Kalpage.

The Ducati-riding solicitor has previously provided our readers with tips on what to do when pulled over by police and defences to speeding fines based on a police officer’s estimate or “check speed”.

Check out his tips on defending a Lidar or radar speeding fine:

Chris Kalpage evidence pulled lidar
Chris on his Ducati at the track

Lidar readings

Lidar speed readings are potentially more accurate than “check speeds” and police estimates which were covered in my previous article.

So they need more careful analysis prior to any court hearing.

“LIDAR” stands for Light Detection and Ranging which means it uses pulsed lasers of light.

Police aim the hand-held Lidar device at an object and a laser beam of light bounces back and forth to measure changes in the distance over time.

It is the most accurate form of speed assessment.

Radar devices work the same way, but use radio waves instead of light.

Calibration

However, like any measuring instrument, these can be compromised depending on calibration and manner of use.

Failure to produce a S137 Road Transport Act certificate at a hearing could call into question the reading obtained.

We also consider whether the device has been properly calibrated. The prosecution would have to produce a certificate signed by the police officer at the start and end of their shift certifying the device was tested over a measured prescribed distance of 25m and 50m.

Each Lidar has a prolaser testing book, which is completed and signed off when the tests are done.

Lidar use

LIDAR Low speed threshold a danger hidden demons lidar
LIDAR is used around the world

We also consider the use of the Lidar on a motorist.

  • Was there a clear line of sight for the officer during the duration of the test?
  • Was the required three-second observation and testing likely, based on available distance for the test and the alleged speed? For example if the maximum sighting distance from the officer is 30m and you are meant to be travelling at 30m/second they only have one second to conduct the test which is insufficient time.
  • Was there excessive movement of the unit?
  • Is there the potential for the laser to be reflected back from another surface?

Radar devices

If the radar device uses a Doppler beam, we again consider calibration.

However, there are other contentious issues with a Doppler beam as they are much wider than a Lidar beam.

The old Silver Eagle Radar used to have a beam of about 20x20m for every hundred metres of projection.

This creates confusion over which vehicle provided the speed reading.

I have run cases where a small vehicle such as a motorcycle was traveling in front of a speeding four-wheel drive and may not be the vehicle giving the speed reading.

Police always argue that if there are multiple vehicles in the beam then an error reading should show on the device but that is subject to question and scientific challenge.

We also consider whether there were multiple vehicles in the beam and whether there were many vehicles of a similar size. This raises the question of identity of the offending vehicle.

Use of mobile radars in areas where traffic isn’t sparse raises the issue of target identification.

Use guidelines

LIDAR radar speed gun pulled
LIDAR radar speed gun

Guidelines for the use of Lidar and radar have previously contained prohibitions such as at the bottom of a hill or within 50m of a change in speed zone sign.

Those restrictions on police have now been considerably eased in many jurisdictions, despite public criticism.

However that information may be relevant in a defence or in a plea of guilty.

Also, keep in mind that both these devices can be used in approaching or receding mode, which means they can hide in the bushes and activate the device once you have gone past them and shoot you from behind.

When defending these cases, especially the Lidar, some magistrates wish to have scientific evidence from the defence supporting the basis of the challenge to the instrument.

Disclaimer

This article is for reader information and interest only and is based on New South Wales law. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and does not constitute and must not be relied on as legal advice.

Please be aware that every case is different and the matters raised may not be of specific relevance to your situation but may have a general application. You must seek specific advice tailored to your circumstances. Chris is happy to talk to anyone needing clarification. He can bet contacted on 0418 211074.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riders claim Sydney parking fines unfair

Sydney riders are claiming $82 parking fines they received are unfair as the jurisdiction of the area changed from City of Sydney council (COS) to state government without clear public notice.

Previously the riders were able to park free in the Rocks, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour areas including outside designated bike-only zones as long as they adhered to the time restrictions.

However, the state reclaimed the land in January, according to the council, and installed private company parking meters at the end of August 2019.

The COS website was only changed on 17 September 2019 after several motorcyclists complained, according to Property NSW.

“Disputed infringements issued before the website was updated have been waived,” they say.

Fines unfair, say riders

Riders claim parking fines unfair
Jin and his yamaha custom

However, riders Jin Weng and Andrew Johnstone missed the change on the website and say the fines are unfair as there was not enough notice provided that the change had occurred.

Property NSW say “signage informing motorists and riders of the change of operation was placed on the meters from the time of the transition, which was managed in collaboration with City of Sydney, and notices were distributed to residents”.

However, Jin claims the road signs are “exactly the same” and the website was updated nine months after the change of jurisdiction.

“Motorcyclists cannot be expected to read the website everyday before parking a bike to ensure a road ownership hasn’t changed,” he says.

Andrew says he was unfairly slapped with an $82 fine along with about eight others in the bike-only zone in the Rocks. 

Riders claim parking fines unfair
Andrew and his scooter

The zone ends at 6pm and then it is four-hour meter parking. 

“I got done at 7.23pm. Previously under Sydney Council Laws there was no meter fee payable. Now this has changed,” Andrew says.

“I never saw anything on the signs for parking. Maybe the signs were on the meters themselves which naturally we would never look at.

“But the website just states part of the Rocks and the link does not link to an exact map and it says to check signs. Signs are no different to any other signs across the city.”

Jin received a parking fine Cumberland St outside a City of Sydney recreation centre because new parking meters were installed by a private company on a road at the doorstep of the COS  recreation centre.

“Other areas within Sydney not under the COS jurisdiction have clear indication at the location that it is managed by a different authority such as areas in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain.

“Sufficient notification should have been given when the changes occurred, the signs and parking meters at Cumberland St is exactly the same as anywhere else in the city of Sydney,” Jin says.

Loss of spaces

The loss of free motorcycle parking follows the reduction of CBD kerbside parking last year to accommodate bus, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.

It prompted a petition for more motorcycle parking space.

Sydney motorcycle parking petition Emma MacIver
Emma launches petition

Petition organiser and commuter rider Emma MacIver says the city is lagging behind Melbourne and the rest of the world and Motorcycle Council of NSW parking subcommittee claimed council’s lack of consultation with riders on the issue was “disappointing”.

Emma’s petition has gained almost 2000 signatures.

Click here to sign her petition and make council pay attention!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider slams Queensland Police hypocrisy

A rider who hit a car doing an illegal u-turn across double white lines is claiming police hypocrisy for inaction while fining him for allegedly clipping an unbroken white line in a separate incident.

Tristan Holland says the two different approaches by Queensland Police smack of hypocrisy.

Earlier this year, Tristan was fined for allegedly clipping an unbroken white line at the end of a painted traffic island on Centenary Motorway.

He claims he didn’t touch the white line and is challenging the matter in court on 16 October 2019.

Police are relying on blurry photographic evidence from a body cam taken about 90m from the scene.

Tristan Holland police hypocrisy
Police infringement notice photo

Police hypocrisy

Meanwhile, he says a driver who caused him to crash his motorcycle into their car after dangerously crossing a painted traffic island has not been fined by police.

“This morning I had a car do an illegal u-turn off a ‘turn left with care’ slip road right in front of me leaving me with nowhere to go,” says Tristan who was “battered and bruised”.

His 2016 Suzuki Hayabusa was damaged, but still rideable.

Tristan Holland police hypocrisy
Tristan’s Busa at the scene of the crash

He reported the crash to Police Link, but says it was deemed a “non-reportable traffic incident” because no one was taken away in an ambulance.

“That means the QPS will not investigate nor issue any infringement notice to the driver,” Tristan says.

U-turn rider slams police hypcrisy crash accident traffic offence
Red Busa dent on door

“There is no doubt the crash occurred because of the damage to the car’s door and my bike, plus the driver admitted fault to his insurance company.

“So why no infringement notice?U-turn rider slams police hypcrisy crash accident traffic offence

“I find it interesting that QPS will not investigate this, but will hound drivers/riders for allegedly crossing a solid white line based on questionable video footage from 90m away.

“So if you break the law, cause an accident, provided no one is injured, then you don’t loose any demerit points.

“But, if you break the law, hurt no one and police have video footage you are treated like a criminal.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Another win on incorrect helmet fine

Police continue to hand out incorrect  fines for helmet non-compliance and riders continue to challenge and win against the erroneous fines.

In this latest win, not only did the copper get it wrong, NSW Revenue “clearly did not bother reading the Road Rules either”, says Australian Motorcycle Council chairman Guy Stanford.

It follows a similar win for Queensland rider Ian Joice over an external sticker that had the word “Void” across it.

Void helmet Ian Joice
Ian with his “void” sticker

NSW helmet fine

The NSW rider, whose name has been suppressed, was issued a $337 fine on 10 June 2019 for wearing a helmet that did not have an external compliance sticker.

He contacted NSW Revenue which upheld the penalty saying:

There is no sticker on the helmet to show the helmet meets the minimum Australian standards. The helmet must contain a sticker from an approved body stating the helmet meets Australian standards and or has been tested and passed to meet the minimum Australian standards.

Yet the helmet is European and has the ECE22.05 certification sewn into the chain strap as required in the Australian Road Rules since November 2015.Helmet fine win

Guy says the “obvious and glaring injustice” was taken up by the *Motorcycle Council of NSW who made representations to NSW Treasurer Scott Farlow on the rider’s behalf.

Fine win

The Treasurer advised the rider that the matter had been passed back to police for review.

“NSW Police considered your submission and decided to cancel the penalty notice. The issuing officer apologises for any inconvenience,” the Treasurer said.

Guy praised the Treasurer: “It seems that at least one Minister is capable of comprehending. 

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void incorrect win
Guy Stanford

“We are pleased that the NSW Minister was able to resolve this matter.

“However, it seems unbelievable that both the NSW Police officer and Revenue NSW are not familiar with a Road Rule that has been in place for nearly five years.

“It would be easy to draw a conclusion that Infringement Notices are for generating revenue from the powerless.

“In this case, the rider was innocent of any wrongdoing, yet the review process failed to recognise this.” 

* The MCC of NSW is a member of the Australian Motorcycle Council and shares its expertise with other state and territory based rider organisations

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

NSW emergency speed rule extended

Despite criticism from motoring organisations and a motorcycle cop being hit by a driver, NSW has extended its rule to slow traffic to 40km/h past emergency services.

The 12-month trial will be extended to a permanent law on September 26  but with some changes.

It will now include tow trucks and and motorway recovery vehicles, police will stop in visible locations and new warning signs will be deployed by emergency services.

However, it will no longer apply on roads with speed limits of 90km/h or more.

Instead, motorists will have to slow to a “safe and reasonable” speed, give “sufficient space” to emergency workers and “change lanes to keep the lane next to the vehicle free if it is safe to do so” as is required in most US states.

Concerns

Then Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman Steve Pearce told us when the trial started that it was “just a matter of time until a serious incident occurs as a result of this rule”.

He was right. In December 2018, a NSW motorcycle cop was hit by a car when he pulled over another car on a 100km/h highway.

Cop injured under new speed rule crash police emergency 40km/h extended
Cop injured during speed rule trial

The 70-year-old female driver was one of 936 fined $446 and three demerit points during the trial period.

Steve’s major concern with the rule was that vulnerable motorcyclists, such as the NSW police officer, would be at risk of being rear-ended.

In fact, the person the rule was meant to protect became the victim.

Confusing rule

The extended rule could be confusing for motorists travelling interstate during holidays.

Emergency vehicles are defined as police cars, fire engines and ambulances displaying red and blue flashing lights and/or sounding their siren.

In Victoria it includes all “escort vehicles”. In SA, SES vehicles are included and in WA it extends to all emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, RAC roadside assistance patrol vehicles, and Main Roads Incident Response Vehicles removing road debris and broken-down vehicles.

The rule does not apply if the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the road where there is a median strip.

Fines also vary

Cop asleep on motorcycle extended
Would you slow down for this?

In South Australia, you can cop a maximum fine up to $1007 and some motorists have been disqualified for six months. In WA it is $300 and three points.

Victoria’s fine is $272.05, but there is a maximum court penalty of $777.30 if you unsuccessfully challenge the fine. The RACV says it could be difficult for motorists to see flashing emergency vehicles’ lights over a hill and have enough time to slow down to 40km/h.

The Queensland Government has rejected Police Union calls for a similar road rule.

Tips for avoiding tail-ender

If riders see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, there are several things they can do to avoid a rear-ender.

  • Look at traffic behind you to assess the danger;
  • Indicate and change lanes away from the emergency vehicle, if there is a vacant lane to move into;
  • If not, switch on the hazard lights;
  • Brake as smoothly as possible, perhaps activating the brake light on and off to attract the attention of following traffic; and
  • Search for an escape route, possibly between lanes or on the road edge.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Do police traffic offence quotas exist?

The issue of police being directed to meet traffic offence targets or quotas are back in the news in Queensland and South Australia.

The matter generally raises the ire of motorists who say it is proof that police are revenue raisers rather than performing road safety duties.

Critics also say it leads to motorists being fined for minor speeds and diverts police patrols from catching high-range speeders.

Controversial quotas

The quota controversy has been raised after two recent events:

  • In Queensland, emails that set quotas for traffic tickets have been revealed in court by a Gold Coast cop in evidence of bullying by senior officers. Queensland police have always denied the existence of quotas but have again admitted there are “benchmark” expectations or “targets” for officers on various offences.
  • In South Australia, a senior police officer sent an email to staff offering a gift card as an incentive to issue more speeding and traffic fines. SA Police were forced to retract the email and advise that the incentive went against official policy.

Motorists may not be convinced, especially after examples of what they consider blatant revenue-raising such as our recent article about the use of covert TruCAMs on a downhill stretch of Mt Glorious Rd to nab as many speeding riders as possible.

Quota history

Offence quotas (or “benchmarks”, or “targets”) for police are not new.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, the Queensland Bjelke-Petersen government blatantly referred to them as “kill sheets” for traffic and criminal offences.

Officers were required to reach certain targets to gain promotion or face punitive measures such as a long run of “graveyard shifts”.

Rather than promoting road safety and a crackdown on crime, it led to massive police corruption, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry and subsequent jailing of senior cops and politicians.

Quotas exist in various countries at varying levels of legality around the world.

For example, the UK Government ran a two-year pilot project with the Thames Valley force allowing police to claim back a proportion of speeding fines to pay for road safety projects.

Quotas are largely outlawed in democratic countries as unconstitutional.

Yet the practice often continues in a non-official capacity to evaluate the productivity of “slack and lazy officers”, as one former senior cop told us.

  • Are “targets, benchmarks, incentives, kill sheets, or productivity evaluations” just quotas by another name? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com