ON AUGUST 17, I was travelling down the A56 towards Rising Bridge. After the Rawtenstall turn off there was an unmarked vehicle parked on the bridge (Helmshore Road, B6214) that I noticed when passing under. It appeared to be a mobile speed camera pointing in the direction I had just come from.

UK Law offers guidance to how mobile speed cameras should be operated.: “Vehicles from which enforcement may take place should be liveried and clearly identifiable as an enforcement vehicle.

Visibility of the livery should be maintained during enforcement, e.g. where it is necessary for the doors to be open, markings or livery should be apparent to approaching traffic in the direction of enforcement. If the enforcement officer is undertaking enforcement away from the vehicle, the enforcement officer should be conspicuous by wearing high-visibility clothing.”

“For mobile enforcement, co-located camera and speed limit reminder signs should continue to be placed in advance of the point of entry to the site or route in the direction being enforced. Camera signs should also continue to be placed thereafter at intervals of around 1 km throughout the length being enforced.”

The vehicle in question displayed no signs of what it was or who it belonged on. The vehicle was on a bridge operating on a completely different road, not visible to motorists.

I am sending this letter to make motorists aware that any evidence gained from today’s activities on the A56 have been gained against UK government guidance and should be immediately challenged.

Andrew Harris (via e-mail)