Anti-speed camera protestor loses out (From This Is Cheshire)

Anti-speed camera protestor loses out

11:20am Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Matthew Hobbs

Aitken Brotherston has lost his court battle over speeding

A LYMM motorist has lost his court battle to prove that speed cameras are unlawful.

The claims of Aitken Brotherston that speed cameras should not be used to enforce road safety were rejected at the High Court on Friday.

He said: “This outcome is a disappointment to me. The Government and others will now be able to continue wreaking damage and destruction on our once proud road safety record.

“The Government’s slogan ‘speed kills’, which has speed cameras at its heart, has proved to be a complete disaster.”

Mr Brotherston had argued that certain models of camera are unlawful as they have not been approved by Parliament.

Last week, judges ruled that secretary of state approval meant it was suitable to be used.

The retired computer engineer’s appeal began after he received a speeding fine in 2006 for driving at 52mph in a 40mph zone in Manchester.

He was caught by a handheld speed camera, but judges also turned down claims that because it was operated manually, its accuracy could be questioned.

Prior to the verdict Mr Brotherston had called for speed cameras to be declared illegal as he believes they cause fatal accidents.

But he has now been told the case is over. “It’s a disaster for road safety, and a tragedy for the people and families of those needlessly killed,” he added.

“We are trying to challenge the block of the path to the Supreme Court but if we cannot I will have to pay the fine and costs.

“I do not accept that I was speeding or that there was any danger. The fight will carry on. We may have lost a battle but we are gradually winning the war.”

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