· Speed Camera Is Caught Speeding: Van trap driver nicked after snapping 30 motorists

A mobile speed camera has been nicked for speeding, after snaring 30 motorists. The device was being carried in a van which was spotted doing 65mph in a 40mph zone 25mph over the limit.
The driver, who had been videoing motorists from a lay-by, was tailed by traffic cop Andy McCracken who reported him. The chequered white van was operating at Oswestry, Shropshire.
But the civilian cameraman got a taste of his own medicine as he drove back to his depot. PC McCracken followed him for a mile, clocking his speed. West Mercia Police, who operate the camera vans with the local council, have sent a file to the Crown Prosecution Service.
They will decide whether the driver will be taken to court. He could risk a heavy fine or even a ban.

The case comes just a week after The Sun had told how the number of sneaky mobile speed cameras rose by 35 per cent last year with 3,500 set up compared to 2,600 in 2003. A police insider said last night: “The incident raised a few eyebrows and a few laughs in the traffic department. The van had apparently had a good session and done over two dozen cars. But the driver forgot the law himself at the end of his shift. He may get a fixed penalty but may end up in court with a bigger fine or even a ban because of the circumstances”
He added: “The officer would have known it was a speed camera van as soon as he saw it because of the distinctive livery. But it was breaking the law and we had to do him.”

The West Mercia force operate vans, in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the councils Safety Camera Partnership.
A spokeswoman for West Murcia Police said yesterday: “We can confirm there was an incident at Trefonen near Oswestry where an allegation was made that a vehicle used by the Safety Camera Partnership had exceeded the maximum speed limit.
“A full investigation has been conducted and a file sent to the CPS.”

The Sun
14th February 2005