I sent this rambling email:
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Closing the forum...
Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 03:04:34 +0000
From: Paul Smith <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Organization: Safe Speed
To:
info@cumbriasafetycameras.org
Hi Kevin,
I think it would be a damn shame if you gave in and closed the forum.
I don't see why the forums shouldn't be a roaring success. It has to do with
openness and transparency. It is utterly absurd to manage and conceal road
safety information. There shouldn't be any unanswered questions. If the camera
project works then let the facts speak for themselves. If the camera project
doesn't work then let's kill the damn thing off as soon as possible. Lives are
at stake.
Now we have the FOIA I can't see many of the unanswered questions remaining
unanswered for long anyway. You have an opportunity to lead the way (again)
with new standards of openness.
But maybe you're just too muzzled by unpublished rules. If you are FOIA will
expose those too.
I guess the bottom line from this rather rambling email is that if the forum
has problems, then they are the result of a lack of openness on your side.
If I can do anything to help, or if you would like to chat it over, I'm on
01862 832000.
I'd be very sorry to see it go. It was bold and promising. I congratulate you
for giving it a good go (at least).
==================================