Snap-happy speed camera nabs parked car – twice!

POLICE have apologised to a man after he was given two speeding fines from a camera outside his house – despite the fact his car was parked at the time.

Jeff Buck has always parked outside his home in Watnall Road, Nuthall, with no problems.

But in recent weeks he has been surprised to find two speeding fines land on his doormat.

It is believed that when speeding vehicles drive past his parked car the camera is triggered, but instead of snapping the real offenders it is taking a picture of Mr Buck's number plate.

Mr Buck, 55, successfully contested the fines and has since received written apologies from Notts Police.

Mr Buck said: "I assumed the first time it happened that the police would put something in place to prevent it from happening again.

"I'm concerned now that every time someone triggers the camera I'll get these notices. I am amused by it, but also angry that I have to go to the trouble of contacting the police."

Mr Buck received his latest apology from Notts Police on Monday.

He had queried the accuracy of a speeding offence he had supposedly committed on Watnall Road on December 13. Notts Police said they had caught Mr Buck's Vauxhall Zafira travelled at 37mph along Watnall Road, which has a 30mph speed limit.

After Mr Buck requested to see photographic evidence, police dropped the case.

"The photograph must presumably show two vehicles, with mine parked halfway on the pavement and road," Mr Buck said.

"My only option is to park the car on the road as I don't have a garage or driveway."

He added: "It's amazing that whatever system is in place cannot tell the difference between a car that is motionless and one travelling at 37mph."

The speed camera was put up across the road from Mr Buck's home around a year ago.

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk