Safe Speed Forums

Is this an admission from Northumberland?

We know that many of the cameras will not meet current DfT guidelines for a new fixed camera - in fact in many cases that would be cause for concern as many have been in place for over 10 years.

If collisions were high enough to warrant a new camera today, it would not have proved its worth over the years.

Any decision to remove fixed cameras would not be considered lightly, due to genuine fears that the problem could resurface.

As the original decision to install those cameras was made by elected representatives and paid for by local tax payers, it would be wrong for the partnership to reverse that decision.

This was placed on http://safespeedforlife.com in response to accusations in the local press. Please take the time to look at the website and fill in the online survey and ask a question.

It's strange reading the propaganda and spin found on their website claiming overwhelming support for their activities - Apart from the odd camera positioned correctly in a built up area I didn't see any sign of this support in the newspaper articles...

I particularly like this part from the Q&A:

Q. Is there any evidence that safety cameras work?
A. Since cameras were introduced on the A1 at Stannington in April 2000 to coincide with the temporary 50mph speed limit, there has been a 58% reduction in road casualties

Now, call me stupid, but how can this be claimed as a camera success without a hell of a lot more information. Did they just stick up a new speed limit sign, install a camera and, as if by magic, everyone lived happily ever after?

The so called "temporary" 50mph limit imposed at Stannington in April 2000 is still in force. Apparently there are plans to remove it when engineering work is completed on the new underpass.

I won't call you stupid, because I can't see any logic in this particular example either.

Please try to submit a question to their website and see if you have any luck in having it answered, they will not publish any I have sent in.

I posted the following query on this site:

Q. In the Mobile Camera section of this site, you state that Mobile Gatsos are a "vehicle-based system which can be set up in mobile enforcement van". However, the ACPO Road Policing Enforcement Technology Code of Practice clearly states that roadside radar "must not be operated from within a vehicle".

... and got the following response.

A. This refers to an enclosed vehicle - our vans have been adapted so that the rear windows can be lowered, allowing the radar to have a clear line of sight (the same as it would with fixed cameras at the roadside).

The ACPO make no issue of enclosed vehicles in their guidelines - they specifically say that roadside radar devices must not be used within a vehicle.

A SCP trying to cover is arse methinks!

It is very unlikley taht cameras improve anything when ionstalled with a 50 limit. As DoT studies show 50 mph limits are teh safest in the country.

How did you work that one out? All the research I've seen says that 70 mph limits are the safest in the country.

In the van is outside of the home office approval, they are not allowed to do this.

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It's Champion Man