Traffic ticket scam - anything I can do?

Expat Sueño
By Expat Sueño

I was just coming home a few minutes ago (6:25pm) and had stopped at a traffic light. I was the first one in line to go. For the sake of describing things, let's say I was at the 6 o'clock position of the four directions of traffic. (I hope that makes sense.)

Just as my light turned green, two cars turned left from the 9 o'clock position and were then going in the same direction as me (toward 12 o'clock). They clearly ran the red light, though I didn't think about it at the time.

After I crossed over the road, the two cars stopped. I was completely baffled and couldn't figure out why they would stop and block traffic. Once I almost caught up to them, though, I saw the lights flash behind me - I guess I was caught by the automatic ticket camera; I presume that the car next to me was caught as well.

The two cars then SPED off, and I think they even turned off their lights. It was dark, so I couldn't even tell what type of cars they were - let alone their license plates.

I have a feeling that this is a common scam, and that I am totally screwed. Has anyone heard anything about this scam? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks,

Expat Sueño

By beso• 6 Apr 2009 08:33
Rating: 3/5
beso

well Whellw,.. It's like gambling of 6000 QR's. but the difference,... you'll win nothing. and of course you may lose them all,..:)

By anonymous• 5 Apr 2009 12:38
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

Am I still safe if I jumped on a yellow traffic light?

By Expat Sueño• 5 Apr 2009 12:21
Expat Sueño

So far, no ticket. Will check again in a few days. . .

Maybe the losers had just stopped to race after running the red light???

Fingers crossed!

By Snowstorm• 5 Apr 2009 08:48
Snowstorm

First time hearing something like this. hope the police will sort this out for you.

Visit my photo blog @

http://my-photos-album.blogspot.com/

YOU DONT KNOW ME, DONT EVEN TRY !!!

By master_mas• 5 Apr 2009 08:22
master_mas

i didn't really get u.

but whatever happened. there's no scam. whoever crossed the red light will be caught and will pay the 6grands..

everything is recorded.

By beso• 4 Apr 2009 22:34
beso

what a stupid joke,... it's good that there was no crash,..why don't these people be thankful that god gave them such expensive cars,...!!

I agree that these cameras are taking full video as one of my friends saw that by himself for a similar joke,.. but unfortunately, he paid the 6K QR.

good luck Sueno. let us know,..

By Expat Sueño• 4 Apr 2009 21:15
Rating: 2/5
Expat Sueño

Just to clarify. . .

I was past the 12 o'clock position when the light went off. I suppose it's possible that it was the cars behind me who were ticked at the cars who had stopped (the ones who ran the red light), but it looked just like the traffic camera to me.

The way the entire thing played out was just surreal. The two cars TOOK OFF as soon as that photo had been taken, presumably because they didn't want me to take down their license plate numbers. I remember that the vehicle on the left was a red late-model SUV, but that's it. The vehicle on the right was a car (not a SUV), but I don't remember anything else about it. I seem to remember it being silver. . .but not 100% on that.

I'll check in the traffic ticket website in the next couple of days and will let you know.

By ICGURU• 4 Apr 2009 20:18
ICGURU

As Amoud and others have said they use both video and still cameras, so go to the police station with the time and location and they can watch it all happen.

Let us know how it goes.

******************************************

What difference does it make to the dead whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or democracy?

-Gandhi

******************************************

By sumuduk• 4 Apr 2009 19:31
sumuduk

as i know they are video cameras. as Beetle said don't rush to the police. check on MOI and if you get a ticket go to the police.....anyway i don't have such experience.

By Nissan_England• 3 Apr 2009 11:47
Nissan_England

How would the camera get your liscence plate if its taking pictures from that posistion?

By Enigma• 3 Apr 2009 08:51
Enigma

i am sure you're be fine. Police knew what they do

By Beetle• 3 Apr 2009 00:13
Beetle

I don’t think that the traffic camera system can be fooled easily like that...

My opinion would be you better not go to police or do anything like such until you get a ticket...

If you get one you could go and explain them...

Believe me you will never get it...

By PaulCowan• 2 Apr 2009 19:15
PaulCowan

surely the light would flash from the 9 o'clock position, if that is where the red signal was crossed, not from behind you where nobody has run a red light ... if I follow the description properly. In that case, it would be the side of your car that got photographed, not the licence plate.

By Mandilulur• 2 Apr 2009 18:58
Rating: 4/5
Mandilulur

OMG, I've never even heard of anything like this! It's horrifying (but diabolically clever.) What a cruel April Fool's hoax. I have been told that the camera takes two pictures if a red light has been run. One as you cross the white line, the other timed to be a photo in mid-intersection. Hopefully the camera will show you weren't the one initiating the red-light run. Fingers crossed!

Mandi

By Amoud• 2 Apr 2009 18:57
Rating: 4/5
Amoud

The traffic cams take photos and video, and they cover the entire intersection in one direction. If they were stopped in the middle, or even on the other side near the opposite lights this should have been caught on camera. Go to the police station immediatly with the time and location of this and they should sort it out.

Explain to them what happened so they can be on the lookout for this type of thing. I have been told that the video of these cameras is very good and that they can zoom in on plate numbers. Not sure of the accuracy but I hope this is the case. _____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.