Cambridge Independent Press 12 Mar 1909: P.C. Pallant's speed trap

TRAPPED MOTORISTS

EXCESSIVE SPEED IN TRUMPINGTON.

Summonses against two motorists for driving at an excessive speed in the parish of Trumpington on February 21st were heard at the Cambridge Division Petty Sessions on Saturday. Defendants, who were Londoners, did not appear, and were each fined £5 and costs.

In the case of John Field Beale, of 10, Orme Court, London, W, P. c. Pallant stated that the car covered a distance of 505 yards in 35 seconds, and this, taking into account only the measured quarter of a mile, registered a speed of 23 miles 1,257 yards per hour. It was stated by P.c. Hiner that during the hour and a quarter he and P.c. Pallant were engaged in timing motor traffic, 14 vehicles, 225 bicycles, and 380 foot passengers passed along the measured distances.

The car driven by the other defendant, Albert Victor Gale, of 20 Barnthwaite-road, Fulham, was stated to have covered the same distance in 38 seconds, giving a speed for the measured distance of 23 miles, 1,204 yards per hour. When stopped, defendant said he thought his speedometer was alright. On being asked for his license, he showed the front of it, but refused to show the back.

In each case a fine of £5 and costs was imposed.