Cambridge Independent Press 30 Apr 1909: P.S. Pallant's speed trap

MOTORISTS TRAPPED AT

TRUMPINGTON.

Cases at the County Sessions

At the Cambridge Division Petty Sessions, before Lieut-Colonel Hy. W. Hurrell (in the chair), A. E. Hoare and W. W. Clear, Esqs, on Saturday, William Cooper, of Elmer-street, Pinner-road, Harrow, was summoned for riding a motor-cycle at a speed dangerous to the public, at Trumpington, on April 9th. – Mr. A. J. Lyon represented the defendant, who was unable to appear.

P.c. Martin, stationed at Harston, said that on the day in question he was engaged in timing motorists over a measured distance between Trumpington Cemetery and the “Red Lion” publichouse. At 2.25 a motor-cycle, ridden by the defendant, came from the direction of Harston, and covered the measured distance of 440 yards in 35 secs., giving a speed of 25 miles 1.257 yards an hour. Witness had the car stopped by another officer, and when he went up to the defendant and told him the speed at which he had been travelling, defendant replied: “Well, that is not very fast.” Four bicycles and 13 pedestrians were on the measured piece of road at the time the car was going over it. – P.s. Pallant and P.s. Hiner also gave evidence.

Mr. Lyon did not dispute the speed at which the police said the car was travelling. There was no doubt that they had taken the time most carefully in this case, as in others – but his client stated that a cloud of dust was blowing over the measured piece of road at the time he had reached it, and he had to put on a spurt in order to get through it as quickly as possible. He was a careful rider at all times, and Mr Lyon submitted this was not a case for a severe penalty.

The Bench imposed a fine of £3 and costs, and ordered that defendant’s license be produced for endorsement.

Andree Percy Rey, of 5 Heath-road, Hampstead, was summoned for committing a similar offence at Trumpington the same day. – He pleaded guilty.

P.s. Pallant said that defendant, who was driving from the direction of Shelford in a motor car covered the 440 yards in 39 secs, this being the rate of 23 miles 135 yards an hour. When spoken to he said “I knew I was not going over much over 20 miles an hour. I am a careful driver.”

Defendant was fined £2 and costs.