Man Penalised For Warning Of Speed Trap

[Champ]

Pensioner banned from driving for reminding motorists not to speed

A 71 year old man has been banned from driving for warning other motorists of a speed trap up the road - even though he wasn't in his car at the time! He was also ordered to pay £364 in costs.

Stuart Harding stood on the A325 near Farnborough with a sign saying "Speed Trap - 300 yards ahead". He had stood there on previous occasions warning motorists to slow down because of a car boot sale up the road which generated a lot of pedestrian traffic. Police however took exception when Harding warned of their speed trap.

The court was told that Sgt Sarah Cashman confiscated his sign and was told by the defendent - under caution - "I stop people speeding down here. I am only doing what I think is right ".

Harding pleaded not guilty when he appeared in front of magistrates in Aldershot. He said: "I have been convicted of breaking the law because I was trying to stop others from doing so. It is totally unjust ."

http://www.pistonheads.com/speed/default.asp?storyId=8553

[rwenos]

1. A Reminder - No First Amendment

in Merry old Britain.

The queen can order executions too. Easy to forget they're still a monarchy, isn't it?

[DarkPhenyx]

2. Somehow I don't think...

...this quite rates as a freedom of speech issue.

[Radical Activist]

3. Just a reminder

that speed traps and many traffic citations aren't about public safety. Its about making money for the police and local governments.

[DarkPhenyx]

4. ooooook

Interesting POV.

[Deja Q]

6. Highways, yes. Local residential areas, no.

With animals, toys, and human animals running all around... too easy to hit them. Best to be slow in residential areas...

[TXlib]

5. Is that true?

The queen can order executions too.

Even if officially, technically true, do you think if the queen attempted to do so, it would actually be seriously considered?

[spinbaby]

7. But interesting to think about, no?

Imagine:

Chimpy vists merrie olde England. Chimpy offends the queen.

"Off with his head!"