SafeSpeed wrote:
Do you really think that 90%+ of the driving population 'can't be bothered' to stick to the speed limits at all times?
yes. Although 90% may be a little high, as 86% of drivers have clean licenses (see other threads on the subject)
I don't agree with the posters statement of "never, ever speeding" as I accept the possibility that a driver could momentarily lose track of the speed they are doing and drift
slightly over the limit, but some - I include myself in this - make more of an effort than others, it seems, to comply with the law. It's a balancing act that requires concentration on the driving job in hand, in order that the concentration on speed does not affect safety.
I believe a lot of drivers do not like to apply that level of concentration to their driving - and that is a bad thing. For people caught out in this sector I think FPN's are a bit harsh, and I would prefer warnings (either from traffic police, preferably, or warning letters with camera pictures). After receiving a set number of warnings (say, 3 in a 12 month period) then penalties should be applied). This is a driver at fault situation.
Other drivers choose to ignore the speed limit. And are surprised when they are punished. I have no sympathy for them, particularly the laughable "but my job depends on my license" faction ... tough, you made the choice, live with it. This is a driver at fault situation.
The partnerships are responsible for the accuracy of their equipment and if found to be in error they should suffer punitive damages, high level sackings or other enforcements. This covers the driver not at fault situation.
Another point made earlier is about where a speed limit is obviously wrong, the question was whether to ignore it or adhere to it. My natural response upon such an event is to apply an even heightened degree of concentration (if it is a road I do not know well) as it suggests to me one or two things - the first being that it may well have been an accident black spot, the second being (sadly) that it may be a spot for a camera or mobile unit. So I would adhere to the limit. If it is a road I know well and still cannot understand the reason for the wrong limit, I would be tempted to write to the council for information, and if appropriate I would challenge the speed limit, all the while still adhere to the limit. Technically the driver is at fault, I agree there may be mitigations here. This area is where I think the campaigns for safe speeds on our roads SHOULD be focussed. Raging against cameras is useless, if the speed limits were set correctly the cameras would not be an issue. If the couple of thousands of hours that Paul has spent thinking of safety arguments had been applied to thinking of ways to sort out the speed limits in this country I would support his campaign 100%. Instead safespeed is seen as the anti camera mouthpiece, and that seems to be reflected the views of members of this forum.
closing note 1: to mosis and idontgo, I'd suggest attenuating the language slightly, as a rant and rage approach is counter to the discussion. But stay on board, as there is a lot of useful information on here. I'm in favour of speed cameras - which leaves me in a vast minority here - but in general I am treated fairly on the forums, and I enjoy the debates.
closing note 2: I hope I'm not seen as a pet troll!
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COAST Not just somewhere to keep a beach.
A young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law.