A driver was fined up to £1,000 for warning other drivers about a speed camera.
Warning other drivers about such devices is apparently a criminal offence, even though we’re only helping others avoid a speeding ticket.
The motorist who was travelling near Launceston, Cornwall is thought to have waved at other drivers. Unfortunately for this motorist one of the drivers was a police officer who happened to be in an unmarked police car.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, there was no excuse for this behaviour despite the fact that the driver was helping to prevent people from being caught for speeding.
The motorist was allegedly penalised for obstructing a police officer. Shockingly, this “Offence” carries a penalty of up to £1,000 and up to 1 month in prison.
A police officer is alleged to have stated that the actions of the driver that was caught and of those who help out other drivers is potentially reckless. The risk could apparently result in other drivers slamming on their brakes and cause an accident.
We often see drivers flashing their headlights to warn others but according to the Highway Code headlights should only be flashed when you need to warn other road users you’re there.
Surely warning other people about speed cameras helps them to avoid speeding tickets by slowing down on the road? We saw in another article that police are paid £45 every time someone attends a speed awareness course.
Why then are drivers committing an offence if they warn other motorists about speed traps and cameras? Is it so the police can line their pockets?
When one driver warns another they are helping to reduce the speed on that particular road which is what the police are aiming for. So surely this means the driver is doing something beneficial? Not so according to the police.
Whether we are willfully obstructing an officer in the execution of their duty or we’re merely helping other drivers to avoid getting caught it seems there is only one winner here: the police.
We drivers will always be in the wrong as far as speed and the police are concerned, even if the police are getting paid extra.