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'Deadly danger' of speed cameras

SPEED cameras could be a deadly hazard on British roads, a Greater Manchester coroner says.

At the inquest on a grandmother who was hit while crossing the road close to one of the cameras - known as a Gatso - coroner John Pollard said drivers could have their attention diverted.

He said: "The Gatso can distract the driver. The driver could momentarily be distracted and concentrate on their speed instead of the road."

He described how the camera was one factor which could have played a role in the death of retired school bursar, Myra Nevett, 69, who sustained multiple injuries when she was hit by a car near to a Gatso camera on High Lane, Stockport, on December 16.

Police accident investigator Pc Michael Jeffrey told the Stockport inquest the cameras could create problems.

He added: "They do tend to draw a driver's attention away from other areas and they concentrate on their speed, making sure they are not exceeding the speed limit."

The court heard the speed camera - combined with poor street lighting which created "a pool of darkness" across the stretch of the road where the fatal incident occurred - could have been a contributory factor.

The controversial cameras, which can churn out hundreds of fines in a few hours, have always been viewed as tool to slow traffic down and reduce the number and severity of collisions.

Mrs Nevett, a grandmother of six whose father was a professional footballer with Accrington Stanley in the 1930s, died yards from her home in Alderdale Drive, High Lane, after visiting a friend's house.

Her devastated husband Michael, 71, an insurance broker, was planning to retire to spend more time with his "wonderful and lovely" wife of 44 years.

He said: "I think that once drivers know where speed cameras are it's possible they do concentrate on them and slow down.

"I'm not sure, but I think there can be some sort of distraction."

Mr Pollard recorded a verdict of accidental death.

A man will appear in court charged with driving without due care.



Link to story

Sadly, as predicted by Paul:

http://www.safespeed.org.uk/pr113.html

The Gatso in question is pictured here:

http://speedlimit.dreamwater.org/images ... egatso.jpg

It's on the A6 about 6 miles south of Stockport. It's in a wooded section about 200 yards long between two built-up zones, where a pedestrian could easily be hidden by the shade, particularly if street lights were not working. It's a long-established Gatso and when it was painted grey was difficult to spot.

The photo is a wide-angle shot and makes the road look rather more open than it actually is.

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"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

I wondered whether it would be that one.
I didn't know Paul was a prophet.
I feel for this poor womans family, she was killed by the scamera team.
I also wouldn't be surprised to find this camera pulled down in the near future, legally or otherwise, I know I would be tempted, before someone else was killed by it.

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Semper in excreta, nur quantitat variat.

Also I'm told that the locals reckon it never has any film in it anyway.

_________________
"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed