Conti Critical Of Speed Checks Without Prompt Notification

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23217, 31 March 1950, Page 5

Conti Critical Of Speed Checks Without Prompt Notification

(P.A.) HAWERA, March 30. The method of micro-wave speed detection in use by the Transport Department savoured of Gestapo methods and appeared un-British, said Mr. S. S. Preston. S.M., in court at Hawera yesterday. He was commenting on three defended charges of exceeding the heavyvehicle speed limit. The defendants had been caught by officers of the department using the apparatus in December.

“For some months we have been using micro-wave detectors to detect breaches of the heavy-traffic speed rules,” said Mr. R. T. Dixon, legal officer of the department. The department had adopted a policy of speaking to offenders as soon as they had passed the machine, but this had not been satisfactory as the presence of the unit became known within minutes. Although speeding should be cut down it should be done by strict adherence to British law and the procedure of the courts, said the magistrate. Alleged offenders should have every opportunity of preparing their defence and this was denied them under the present policy of the department “The department should have a definite system by which an offender is pulled up and notified of an alleged breach,” said Mr. Preston. Persons charged should be given every advantage gained by the prosecution before the hearing.”