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Police are deeply concerned about the court findings of a recent speeding case which have drawn immense public interest about the accuracy of laser guns being used by Police.
A Police spokesman today (January 17) stressed that the laser guns being used were all accurate.
¡§The laser gun operator of the case followed the procedures detailed in the manufacturer's manual in carrying out his duties,¡¨ the spokesman said.
The spokesman explained that a ¡§Fixed Distance Check¡¨ of the laser gun was required prior to and at the conclusion of each operation. The manufacturer's manual required this check to be conducted at 60 metres against a fixed object.
Citing an expert advice, the spokesman said that Dr Tam wing-yim of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, an expert on laser gun technology, had confirmed that a distance of 50 to 60 metres was acceptable.
¡§The 200-metre test raised in the trial of the speeding case refers to the laser gun scope realignment procedure which is conducted only by the manufacturer during maintenance and repairs,¡¨ he said.
The spokesman reiterated that Police would keep using the laser guns for their undoubted accuracy and reliability.
¡§All other prosecutions for speeding remain valid as the accuracy of the laser gun is not in dispute,¡¨ said the spokesman, adding that the case would have no effect on the continued use of laser guns.
However, any recipient of a speeding Fixed Penalty Ticket who feels aggrieved may contact the Central Traffic Prosecutions Division on dedicated telephone line 2860 6349 during office hours.
The spokesman further pointed out that during trial, internal training manual of another Traffic formation was referred to which differed in some respects from the manufacturer's manual.
¡§As a result, the prosecution felt it was unsafe to pursue the original offence and agreed to amend the charge. The decision was made in accordance with established prosecution policy guidelines,¡¨ he said.
¡§All other traffic formations used the manufacturer's manual in handling speeding cases.¡¨
¡§As the internal training manual differs from the manufacturer's manual, the Force is examining the matter in depth and will seek expert opinion to ensure the best advice is provided to operators,¡¨ he added.
Police Report No. 4
Ends/Thursday, January 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:20
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