Flashed by a static camera... when I wasn't speeding?

[ColdInsomnia]

Went out for a ride today with my mate Jason, who's only passed his test this week and he's got himself a lovely 350cc Goose.

As we were coming back to Cardiff, we went through a 30mph speed camera. We both knew it was there, and we slowed down in plenty of time for it. We were travelling at under 30 mph, probably around 27/28, I was in the left lane, he was in the right and we were parallel to each other. He started to creep ahead slowly, and then the camera flashed us both

I'm not really too worried about it, if anything comes of it then I'll just argue against it because I know for a fact I was never over 30mph, though Jason could have creeped over it without realising (his speedo is in kmh so he has a little guesswork involved).

I'd hate to see him get a fine or any points, he can't afford it and he doesn't deserve it after the time, effort and money he's put into getting himself a bike for the road. I don't think he was doing over 30 either but as I said, he did creep ahead of me so perhaps he did.

More importantly... I was flashed by that camera earlier in the day travelling towards it (I knew it couldn't see my numberplate - couldn't resist)... is it possible that they could take my number plate from the one picture and match it to my bike on the one where I was actually speeding (sensibly)?

Thoughts, opinions welcome etc.
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Yamaha YB100 | Yamaha TZR125 | Yamaha XJ600S | Suzuki GSF600
"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."
John Lennon

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Sure a vehicle coming from the opposite direction didn't set it off? I've had one light up me before, was concerned until I realised it must have been from the other side.

[mattgirv]

No one can match a numberplate to your bike just by looking at the bike you are on.

You'd more likely be scuppered if they matched the clothes you had on, especially if they are fairly distinct.

But I wouldn't worry, I would think you'd have to of had some previous interest by a copper, or if you were some sort of 'serial' speeder who were always driving past at high speeds. Even then, I am unsure. I always thought of it as a completely automatic process.

[Ariel Badger]

It may well have judged you to be one vehical and fired off wrongly.
Get your mate to put some paint marks on the face of his speedo indicating the speed limits (unless it is digital of course!).
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[mattgirv]

You could always divide the speed by 10 and multiply the answer by 6.

Or just remember, 50kph is 30mph, and 80kph is 50mph. That is all you need to know on these roads

[G]

[t121anf]

static cameras often just go off, its to trick people into thing they are active.

i doubt you will get anything if you werent speeding, they do double check them, hence the little white markings on the road.

[mr.z]

afaik it flashes 2 times if its active with film, and once if its just got the radar left on to freak people out..

(apparently the two holes on the back show if its in use or not, but i can't remember if it shows yellow for on/off or silver for on/off?)
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Pete.]

The dots on the road will confirm your speed when they view the film. They take the number of dots that you have moved between the flashes and multiply it by 5 to get your speed in mph.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[ColdInsomnia]

Thanks a lot for all the replies everyone... Sleeping a little easier now

Whilst we are on the subject, speed cameras are a nuisance that save no lives and criminalize innocent drivers and bikers.

There I said it.
____________________
Yamaha YB100 | Yamaha TZR125 | Yamaha XJ600S | Suzuki GSF600
"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."
John Lennon

[Kwaks]

One flash no film,no worries
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Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!

[grandmaster]

[Fisty]

There is a speed camera near me that some time ago used to go off at random. It was apparently faulty! even saw it go off when a cyclist went through it at less than 10mph!!
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[Pete.]

As I understand it the holes are to stop the lenses steaming-up in certain weather conditions.

There was a camera in streatham that I set off 2 days running at well below the speed limit. I never heard a thing back. If they are that easily set off the film is likely used-up anyhow.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[gypsyjackson]

[brianmcewan.co.uk]

So you were both side-by-side each other in the same lane? If your mate was speeding then how are they going to know which bike was doing over 30mph?
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Kawasaki Z1000 '05
Honda Fireblade 954 '03

[G]

[brianmcewan.co.uk]

Ah true enough, thanks for clearing that one G
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Kawasaki Z1000 '05
Honda Fireblade 954 '03

[Peirre oBollox]

[gypsyjackson]

[KTM Gordo]

The "holes" in the back of the camera are where the security cover hasn't been put back in place after the film's been changed. If you look in the holes you can see the locks.

Cameras do sometimes fire when you're not speeding, but all the pictures are checked manually by a real live person before any tickets are issued.

Setting off cameras as you ride towards them isn't all that good an idea - especially if you do it at the same time every day. One day you might find a real Policeman waiting for you with a laser speed gun.

HTH
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Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[djneu-trix]

i got told a few years ago by some 1 that if you go threw a speed cam at 146mph it cant catch you!

so floor it! and see!


(Tis proberbly a load of bollocks!)
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pg

[davidimurray]

Coldinsomina

Get yourself down the police station and report it. A mate of mine got flashed by a red light camera on green. When he went down there they gave him a number to ring and he reported it. The guy on the phone said that they were having a 'lot of trouble with that particular camera- don't worry about it'

Might at least put your mind at rest.

Cheers

Dave

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[ColdInsomnia]