Electronic ‘Speed Cop', 'Fair Cop'

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1949, Page 5

Electronic ‘Speed Cop', 'Fair Cop'

WELLINGTON, Fri. (P.A.)— The electronic "speed cop” employed by the Transport Department will definitely remain a “fair cop.” This was stated today by an officer of the Transport Department, cbmmenting on a report that a new device, which, when left unattended on the roadside, could automatically photograph passing vehicles exceeding the speed limit, was expected to be introduced in New Zealand. A statement to this effect was reported to have been made to the Rangitikei County Council yesterday by its engineer (Mr H Murray Reid). The Transport Department stated today it had not heard of such a device.

While such a device was perfectly feasible, the department would, not use it if and when built, as the policy upon which traffic patrols almost, invariably operated was one of “fair cop.” TOLD IMMEDIATELY In other words, if the traffic offence is committed the offender should be told immediately—except where circumstances forbade it; In a recently-completed grand testing tour of the North Island, two officers with an electronic “speed cop” noted down registration numbers only and sent out their please explains on that basis only. But now that the device is to De used to secure prosecutions against speedsters, a patrol car on radio call will be part of the team, and offending drivers will be informed in writing on the spot.