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Tacho chart's no defence, say police
Page 7
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A TRUCK DRIVER threatened with a prosecution for speeding is to fight the case because his tacho chart suggests the police equipment was inaccurate.
Simon Sayers of Newbury was sent a notice of intended prosecution by Thames Valley police after being clocked at 49mph in a 40mph zone. Sayers checked his tacho chart, which shows he was doing "40-42mph" at the time of the alleged offence. He sent a copy of the chart to police but they have refused to accept it as evidence.
In a letter to Sayers the police say their own equipment is -extremely accuratein terms of speed and time.
But Sayers, who has been driving a truck for 36 years without a single accident, endorsement or insurance claim, remains defiant:"What annoys me is that they are saying the tacho is not a defence. If it isn't valid for speed than it isn't valid for anything else. I'm definitely going to court about this." Sayers' case could be strengthened by the use of tacho charts in public inquiries to prove drivers had been speeding.
Solicitor Nick Marshall of Clitheroe-based Backhouse Jones adds: "I don't think it is unreasonable for someone to present their tacho as evidence that they weren't speeding. If it is properly calibrated... then it produces an element of doubt which would make it difficult to convict."
Sayers had the calibration of his tachograph checked immediately after the incident and it was found to be accurate.