A Dawlish man who successfully challenged the legality of speed restrictions at Starcross is off to the European Court of Human Rights. Peter Harry, whose victory helped hundreds of motorists obtain a refund of speeding fines, will later this month be an observer at a case to be heard before the court in Strasbourg. 'I won't be giving evidence,' he said. 'But will be there with some friends from London to help the defence and give moral support.' The case is being brought by two men – one from London, the other from Hampshire – who argue that Section 172 Road Traffic Act 1988 infringes their right not to incriminate themselves. Both were fined for not providing the name of the driver. They claim that being required to say who was driving at the time of the alleged offence breaches their right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence. They are being represented by Liberty, the human rights organisation. If successful, the case – to be heard on September 26 – could cost the British government millions of pounds in lost fines every year. 'We don't expect a verdict for at least six months,' said Mr Harry. 'But it will be very interesting to see how the court works, especially as I might have to take Dawlish Town Council to the very same court.'
