Following Steve Callaghan's semi-anonymous posts here I have decided to issue him with a challenge to a public debate.
Steve, I'm sorry if you're reading it here for the first time, but that's the way things have worked out in a busy day.
I rang Radio Cumbria and spoke to Steve Urquart. He liked the idea and we exchanged emails (below).
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Challenge debate
Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2005 16:34:44 +0000
From: Paul Smith <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Organization: Safe Speed
To:
steve.urquhart@bbc.co.uk
Hi Steve,
Thanks for talking with me.
I'm wide open to any variation, but the challenge is this:
Steve Callaghan, manager of the Cumbria Safety Camera partnership is
challenged to debate with me the question: "Do speed cameras save lives?" in
any public forum.
Steve is welcome to offer a substitute or a champion. I would be proud to
disprove the claim personally.
BBC Radio Cumbria is my first choice for a debating platform, and I will be
pleased to participate whatever response Steve Callaghan provides.
I understand that you will be forwarding the challenge to Mr Callaghan. I
confirm that I can be available in your area at lunch time on Thursday 10th
March. I am prepared to participate on any other practical alternative date.
I do hope this 'goes off', and I think I can promise a lively, interesting and
informative discussion.
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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Challenge debate
Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2005 17:28:04 -0000
From: "Steve Urquhart" <steve.urquhart@bbc.co.uk>
To: "Paul Smith" <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Hi Paul
Many thanks for your email. I wasn't able to reach the appropriate person at Cumbria Partnership this afternoon, will try again on Monday and get back to you a.s.a.p.
I've pencilled in Thursday (10th March) at 12 noon.
The format I will most likely propose is a general "phone in" for listeners to air their views and ask questions, with the understanding that you will also be taking part.
Also - I thought it might be convenient, while you have access to your email, to send directions to our studios in Carlisle, which you'll find below.
regards
Steve Urquhart
BBC Radio Cumbria
===================================
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Challenge debate
Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2005 19:00:52 +0000
From: Paul Smith <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Organization: Safe Speed
To: Steve Urquhart <steve.urquhart@bbc.co.uk>
Hi Steve,
Thanks, that's all absolutely fine.
It might be a good idea to limit the amount of airtime given to phone-in
callers - they tend to reduce the amount of information transferred by
trivializing the debate. My choice would be to have none - or maybe a
follow-up phone in (I don't mind staying on).
But it's your show - I'll accept any format you deem appropriate.
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I happen to be passing through Cumbria on Thursday so the arrangement is ideal. If a different time is more suitable, we'll arrange an alternative.