Must have been one of those new digital ones I guess
And there was me thinking it was the peace symbol

Overall I think it is a gross overreaction on the side of the police though... it aint like you don't know that people think you are lower than lowest forms of life (you're right down there with parking wardens and annoying questionair people in the highstreet in most people's minds) when you operate a mobile speedcam (lets be honest most people don't appreciate it very much ) and I guess this just proved them right once more.

(Edited by Chambler 12/01/2006 08:10)

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The Website
The Cupar Sheriff Court in Fife, Scotland upheld the charge claiming even a momentary removal of hands from the wheel to make a gesture was dangerous

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I think they had a point really.

(Edited by Tycho 12/01/2006 23:36)

Funny thing though is that "the road was otherwise empty and police admitted there was no sign that Toehill's silver VW Polo was out of control or had ever drifted off-course". In other words he was still in control of the car (driving with your knees aint that hard).

What I find funny about the phrasing "claiming even a momentary removal of hands from the wheel to make a gesture was dangerous". So removal of the hands from the wheel to do anything else than making a gesture is not dangerous?

Personally I think the guy caught the wrong people on the wrong day and pissed off some people who used (or abused) all their powers to stick it to him. Which is something that I personally find very worrying (get a bit of a wild west - sherrif doesn't like new guy in town - kinda vibe). If they would be this strict on everyone on the roads a lot of people wouldn't be driving around right now as there are a bundle of people who can't even drive properly with two hands tightly on the steering wheel.

However the question still stands if speed cams should be used for anything other than speeding offences. If all speedcams would take pictures of every car passing them (and with the new digital infrared cams thats very well possible and you wouldn't be any the wiser) this information has some serious possibilities for abuse.

(Edited by Chambler 13/01/2006 12:12)

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by Chambler
Personally I think the guy caught the wrong people on the wrong day and pissed off some people who used (or abused) all their powers to stick it to him.

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Agreed. Removing your hands from the steering wheel is essential to driving. How else are you supposed to change gear, dip your headlights, turn your windscreen wipers on, etc. If they can fine someone just for having two fingers up when the camera went off, what the hell else can they get away with..?