THOUSANDS of speeding convictions could be called into question after police admitted their speed guns give faulty readings.
Sergeant William Graham revealed that the Falcon device can record speeds from other nearby cars which may be going faster.
Sgt Graham, who used to teach officers how to catch speeders, told a court last week: “You couldn’t be 100 per cent sure which vehicle you’re picking up.”
His remarkable evidence could mean drivers appealing speeding convictions in their droves if caught in the past by a Falcon gun.
The equipment is still widely in use but is being phased out in favour of a more sophisticated laser device.
Sgt Graham was giving evidence at the trial of colleague PC Blair Pettigrew, who is accused of dangerous driving for allegedly travelling at a Falcon-recorded speed of 63mph in a 30mph zone.
Pettigrew, 28, denies the charge. The Strathclyde Police officer, from Largs, Ayrshire, claims a faster car close behind him caused the false reading.
PC Alan Cook said he charged Pettigrew because he was convinced he had been speeding. But Dr Michael Clark, an expert on speeding, told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court he suspected the reading had been “corrupted”.
