Home
The Issue
Facts about speedo error
Evidence about what the Government knows
Arguments used to defend low tolerance speed limits
Defenses against low tolerance fines
Library of useful documents
Useful links
Discussion Forum
Contract details
Disclaimer

Low Tolerance Arguments

There are a number of arguments presented by the Government in defence of the low tolerance limits

Basis of tolerence being applied to Infringement Notices Victorian Department of Justice - I was only a few kilometres over the limit. Why should I be punished?.
What the Victorian Regulations state

Victorian Department of Justice - My speedo is inaccurate. Will you withdraw the notice?

What the Walk Safety report states</span> Victorian Police Department Policy - It's the Motorists Problem
Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services Victorian Police - Tolerance of 9km/h is permitted
Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services Victorian Police - the community may be aware of speed tolerances and “de facto” speed limits may be in force.

This is the complete text from the Victorian Department of Justice website in the section titled "Common criticisms of speed cameras" in response to the question: My speedo is inaccurate. Will you withdraw the notice?

No. A safe driver should be aware of the speed at which they are travelling at all times.

Most modern vehicles are deliberately calibrated to overstate the speed you are travelling at.

This response raises a number of questions:

  1. How is the driver to "be aware of the speed at which they are travelling at all times". The logical answer is to use the speedometer fitted to the vehicle which the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999 state has an accuracy of ±10% accuracy, and is deemed suitable for safe operation of the vehicle on Victorian roads.

  2. What is the basis of this statement on calibration"Most modern vehicles are deliberately calibrated to overstate the speed you are travelling at. " ?