Cambridge Independent Press 11 Jun 1909: P.C. Pallant's speed trap
FAST DRIVING AT TRUMPINGTONLondon Motorists Fined
At the Cambridge Divisional Sessions on Saturday, Henry Griffiths, chauffeur, of 43 Feltham-road, Putney, pleaded guilty to driving a motor-car to the danger of the public at Trumpington, on May 23rd.
P. s. Pallant said he was timing cars on the day in question. The car defendant was driving covered the measure distance at speed of 21 miles, 734 yards an hour. Prisoner said, when spoken to “I have no indicator, and how am I to know?”
Defendant said he was sorry for what had happened. It was only a hire job which he was doing, and it was the first work he had done this year. He had now lost his situation in consequence of this summons.
Defendant was ordered to pay the costs, the Chairman (Dr. Liveing) remarking that the Bench did not wish to be hard upon him.
John Pain Clark, of 12, South Square, Gray’s Inn, London, W.C. was summoned for committing a similar offence at Trumpington on the same day.
Defendant pleaded not guilty.
P.c. Martin said defendant covered the measure distance of 440 yards, in the main street of Trumpington village, at the rate of about 22˝ miles an hour. When he spoke to defendant he said “Only two miles over. Surely you are not going to make a case of this. It’s rather hard lines.”
P. s. Pallant and P. c. Hiner also gave evidence.
Defendant said he was driving very carefully at the time. He had a speedometer in the car, and did not think he was driving over 20 miles an hour. He could have pulled up easily at any moment.
He was fined 5s, and costs.