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Striking postal workers raise ire of British constabulary

Striking British postal workers have raised the ire of the constabulary after a recent court decision has opened the door for lead-footed motorists to avoid late-delivered speeding tickets. A…

user iconLawyers Weekly 02 November 2009 SME Law
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Striking British postal workers have raised the ire of the constabulary after a recent court decision has opened the door for lead-footed motorists to avoid late-delivered speeding tickets.

A High Court decision last week ruled in favour of driver Peter Gidden, who argued that an October 2007 speeding infringement was invalid because it did not arrive within the 14-day legal deadline, as the fine had been delayed in the post as a result of a postal strike at the time, reports The Times.

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Thousands of British postal workers have been on strike during October in a dispute over remuneration and modernisation plans for the Royal Mail, with fears that a backlog of over 150 million letters and packages could be accrued, which could take months to deliver.

In his judgement Lord Justice Elias noted the potential of his ruling to affect the current system of posting infringement notices to motorists.

"This case raises an issue of some topicality given the current postal strike and is of no mere small interest," Elias said.

"The authorities must then adopt other means of warning, if they are to avoid the risk of late delivery."

Folklaw wonders if London bobbies will find themselves issued with a new piece of equipment - a mail sack - to accompany them on their daily beat.

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