The Editor, Sir:

On Boxing Day, I was travelling to Ocho Rios when after passing Moneague, I was stopped in a speed trap and prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit of 50 kph. Considering that I had already passed through the built-up area and had reached a point where the surroundings were basically woodland, I asked the officers to show me where the 50 kph zone ended. Eventually one pointed to the back of a sign further down the road and indicated that the zone began at that point.

Note that there was no sign facing my direction for me to know where the 50 kph zone ended. The only sign was one facing the traffic from Ocho Rios, indicating where the 50 kph zone began. For motorists approaching a built-up area, the sign has to be set at a point so that motorists have enough time to react and make adjustments where necessary. That situation does not apply to those travelling in the opposite direction who have already passed through the built-up area.

In the absence of a sign to let the motorist know that the zone has ended, a reasonable person would assume that having passed through the built-up area and finding himself driving with woodland on both sides of the road, that the zone must have ended.

When the police choose to crack down on persons who are exceeding the speed limit applicable to a built-up area, they should at least set the traps for those who are approaching the built-up area and not for those who have already passed through it. For the latter, they can position themselves at an opportune location and apply the higher speed limit.

I think the commissioner should look into this practice and instruct his officers to place the emphasis where it will result in greater safety. I took pictures of the scene and I intend to go to court and plead not guilty.

I am, etc.,

STEWART SPENCER

Kingston 6