QLD Contesting Speed Fine - Borderline 10% Speedo Variance

[laser87]

Hi All,

I received a speeding ticket in the mail for going 123km/h in a 110km/h zone after blindly passing a hidden trailer camera.

I drive a car from the 80's, which, from factory, has a speedo variance of +/- 10% the actual speed.

I can't recall sitting that high above the limit, and by taking into account this possible variance my speedo could have been reading 110.7km/h whilst actually travelling at 123km/h.

I don't believe my speedo has such a large inaccuracy(and isn't worth it getting confirmed by a mechanic), however is it worth electing a court appearance in the hopes that they will drop the case due to the facts presented above? Or should I get my mechanic to write a letter stating the possibility of my speedo being out.

Thanks!

 

[Lance]

Hi,
The facts above are stating that you have an 80s which might be out of calibration allowing you to drive 123km/h in 110 zone. Its really not their problem that your car is or isn't out of calibration. The speed camera will be calibrated to within 5% and if requested copies of calibration certificates can be provided. I don't think this is something that can be won on the facts above.

 

[laser87]

Hi Lance, thanks for the reply.

Due to the age and type of speedometer my vehicle has(steel cable) I believe it is unadjustable, and from factory(ie. brand new) it could have had this +/- 10% error. As stated in the old Aus Design Rule 18:

"Australian Design Rule 18 sets out the accuracy standards for vehicle speedos.

Until July 2006 this rule specified an accuracy of +/- 10 percent of the vehicle’s true speed when the vehicle was travelling above 40km/h.

That is, at a true vehicle speed of 100km/h the speedo could indicate between 90km/h and 110km/h."

I will speak to my mechanic this morning and ask if he's able to write something to support my argument(as suggested by the camera office). However a court summons must be submitted prior to submitting the statement and letter.