Watch out there's a speed trap about

A POLL of almost 5,000 motorists has revealed that almost half would flash their lights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed trap.

The survey, conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists, follows the prosecution of Michael Thomas who was fined £175 and ordered to pay £250 costs last month after he admitted warning several approaching cars of a speed check.

The 64-year-old, of Grimsby told the town’s magistrates' court that he felt he was doing his “civic duty” by warning motorists of what he saw as a potential hazard.

Nearly 70 per cent of respondents to the IAM poll also said that a driver should not be prosecuted for warning others, with only 21 per cent believe they should.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “The biggest reason for not flashing to warn of a speed check is safety, with ‘drivers who speed deserve to be caught and fined’ and ‘the meaning of the flash could be misinterpreted,’ each polling a third of the votes from those who don’t flash.

“However, safety was also used as a major justification for those who do flash to warn of speed checks, with nearly 20 per cent saying they ‘wanted to avoid a possible collision when drivers see the speed check late and brake harshly in response.’

“The driver who was prosecuted for using his lights justified his behaviour by stating he used his lights to warn of a hazard.”