Safe Speed Forums

Many of those who oppose the "SafeSpeed" view seem to see the issue in totally different terms of reference. It's not simply a question of "how do we make the roads safer?" but whether it is fundamentally a good idea for the main form of transport to be, in their terms, people driving around in ton-and-a-half armoured metal boxes.

Personally, I see private motor transport as, broadly speaking, an instrument of individual liberation, whereas they see it as something destructive of their vision of society. Therefore each side will inevitably see the other as evading the point, and there's a kind of mutual incomprehension.

Some people instinctively justify restrictions on car drivers as a means of curbing that form of transport, whereas for the opposite reason others instinctively oppose them.

And there can never be a consensus as people have different views on the extent to which individual freedom of movement is desirable in transport solutions, regardless of safety implications.

A bit deep, maybe, but any thoughts?

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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 see no better example than besingwerk.......

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Ross

Yes I'm a hoon, but only on the track!!!!

This is a problem that I've faced frequently in arguments and discussions with our "opponents". I've usually declared "no interest" in transport ideology, and explained that my interest lies purely in getting the system that we have to work better.

Personally I share Peter's view that personal motor transport is liberating, but that view is entirely outside the Safe Speed road safety work.

I do believe that different transport ideologies have fuelled the "speed kills" thing. That's a real shame - and maybe a serious error. Transport ideologies are one thing - road safety is another. I do feel they need to be kept well and truly separate.

Thanks for an interesting post, Peter.

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

The definition of ideology is interesting:

Source: Shorter Oxford English Dictionary

A system of ideas or way of thinking pertaining to a class or individual, esp. as a basis of some economic or political theory or system, regarded as justifying actions and esp. to be maintained irrespective of events.

To be maintained irrespective of events eh?

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

hmm... end justifies the means, methinks....

Lots have fallen on their swords in that misguided belief. That is why the work you are doing, Paul, is so much better than the more direct action that has recently been stepped up by ... what'shisname... the bloke blowing them up.

All the best to the guy blowing them up, at least it gets people's attention focused on the bloody things.

I love the smell of burning cameras in the morning........

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Ross

Yes I'm a hoon, but only on the track!!!!

BTW Roger, tell us about yourself, your personal details don't shed much light.

I'm an Aussie bloke of 50 with

1. a passion for cars
2. matched by an opposite passion for cameras and all things that get in the way of my 1.

I love driving fast and have competed in many road and track events (closed road I hasten to add).

Just bored and thought I'd chat...

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Ross

Yes I'm a hoon, but only on the track!!!!

Ross

not a lot to say really - but best rather than me take this thread off topic to divert you to http://www.safespeed.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4 - where I can expand further if you wish.

Sooo, it's good that we have an 11 hour difference so we can chat then.

What sort of beastie do you drive? Done any track work or the like? Have any other hobbies....

Switch to Registered ONLY if you don't want to talk publicly ...

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Ross

Yes I'm a hoon, but only on the track!!!!

I don't mind talking publicly - just nervous of going far off topic - and it's 12 hours I think!

I drive an Accord - have had a succession of them since 1983. No track stuff - although I believe I know the theory

I will expand later - but need an hour or so shut-eye before work.