SPEED MEASURING EQUIPMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The article discusses the controversy existing about the legal aspect of speed measurement with different systems in South Africa. It describes the major systems available and examines the limitations of each. Reasons are given why radar speed measurement is considered to be unreliable and unacceptable for legal purposes. Some courts have objected to the use of radar in that the meters used were 'self-calibrated' or self-tested. Equipment and systems based on the distance travelled/time recorded principles are reviewed. These are more limited in their application than radar speed meters, but meet legal requirements in that they can be calibrated by an independent external source. The author is critical of the accuracy due to the human element involved in the method where a traffic officer driving a patrol car pushes buttons when passing fixed points. An investigation is planned by the South African authorities to decide what tests and precautions need to be introduced to amend the criminal procedure act so that judicial notice can be taken of the adequate functions of speed measuring equipment. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Thomson Publications South Africa Proprietary Ltd

  P.O. Box 8308
  2000 Johannesburg,   South Africa 
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 11-35
• Serial:
  • Public Works, Construction and Transport

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calibration; Errors; Human factors; Law enforcement; Legislation; Length; Measuring instruments; Radar; Speed; Time
• Uncontrolled Terms: Use
• Geographic Terms: South Africa
• ITRD Terms: 6155: Apparatus (measuring); 6171: Calibration; 1534: Enforcement (law); 6440: Error; 2257: Human factor; 1556: Legislation; 6488: Length; 6738: Radar; 8103: South Africa; 5408: Speed; 5414: Time; 9084: Use
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142087
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 15 1976 12:00AM