I was driving on the N81 this afternoon at about 90kph. I saw an unmarked speed Van parked to the left, checked my speed and as I was not speeding, I did not need to slow down. However, as I passed this I saw movement from the camera and about 1km later, I realised that I had been in a 60Km zone rather than a 100. I fully expect to get a fine in the post.
I had no knowledge that I was in a 60 zone at the time so on my return visit, I looked around to see how I had missed the 60 sign. I then saw that the sign was virtually fully obscured by over growing vegetation and it was very difficult to see as I drove into the 60 zone from the 100 zone ( I re drove the route to see how I had missed the sign).
I have taken copious photographs showing how the vegetation obscures the view of the sign and I even did a video on my phone which shows as I enter the 60 km zone that this sign is visible for no more than one second and is easily missed even if a mirror is being checked. I do not speed, I have no penalty points and I take great pride in this.
My immediate view to is appeal this to court ( assuming I get the penalty notice in the post). However, I am somewhat filled with dread at the idea that a judge would be totally dismissive of my appeal and I could find myself with 4 points and a much larger fine. Don't get me wrong, if the sign was visible and it was a fair cop, I would pay up and not quibble. However, when a sign is obscured and there are no other signs in the zone denoting the speed limit, then it is hard not to feel that it is unfair.
Has anybody any advise or experience in something like this? Your input would be appreciated.
I had no knowledge that I was in a 60 zone at the time so on my return visit, I looked around to see how I had missed the 60 sign. I then saw that the sign was virtually fully obscured by over growing vegetation and it was very difficult to see as I drove into the 60 zone from the 100 zone ( I re drove the route to see how I had missed the sign).
I have taken copious photographs showing how the vegetation obscures the view of the sign and I even did a video on my phone which shows as I enter the 60 km zone that this sign is visible for no more than one second and is easily missed even if a mirror is being checked. I do not speed, I have no penalty points and I take great pride in this.
My immediate view to is appeal this to court ( assuming I get the penalty notice in the post). However, I am somewhat filled with dread at the idea that a judge would be totally dismissive of my appeal and I could find myself with 4 points and a much larger fine. Don't get me wrong, if the sign was visible and it was a fair cop, I would pay up and not quibble. However, when a sign is obscured and there are no other signs in the zone denoting the speed limit, then it is hard not to feel that it is unfair.
Has anybody any advise or experience in something like this? Your input would be appreciated.
