53. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the practice of the Metropolitan Police to check the speed of motorists by radar operated by one police officer; and whether prosecutions are initiated on the evidence of one witness only.
§ Mr. George ThomasEach team operating radar speed meters in the Metropolitan Police District consists of at least two officers, and proceedings are not initiated on the evidence of one witness only in cases in which meters have been used.
54. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that radar machines used for checking the speed of vehicles register accurate results, having regard to possible confusion arising from other vehicles, birds and extraneous moving objects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomasMy right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that the radar equipment in general use is an effective means of checking vehicle speeds. It is the general practice for it to be operated in such a way as to ensure that evidence presented in court relates only to the vehicle in question.