2nd
May 2004
Chief
Constable Latimer
Northern
Constabulary
Perth
Road
Inverness
IV2
3SY
Dear
Mr Latimer,
Camera
partnership
I am
extremely concerned that you are reported as close to creating a speed
camera partnership. Having spent about 5,000 hours researching the subject,
I am convinced that speed cameras are making road safety worse. There are
clear and dangerous side effects, none of which have been properly or scientifically
investigated. The case for speed cameras depends on over-simplified thinking
and a couple of snippets of “science” that is so flawed that the average
A level student should be able to demolish it comprehensively.
I should
like to put a series of key questions to you that arise from my investigations.
I quite understand that you will find it difficult to give proper answers
– but all the questions require comprehensive answers if speed cameras
are to be soundly justified.
1)
What percentage of road accidents in the Northern Constabulary area are
caused or contributed to by vehicles exceeding a posted speed limit?
2)
What evidence do you have that speed cameras save lives?
3)
Please may we have your absolute assurance that, even if you do permit
the partnership to be formed, that you will not allow the strength, availability
or skill of the traffic police to be eroded?
4)
Why exactly have we (nationally) lost the previous long established beneficial
trend in the fatal accident rate since sped cameras were introduced?
5)
What are the possible, probable and actual negative side effects of high
levels of speed limit enforcement? Are these side effects larger or smaller
than the potential or theoretical benefits?
6)
What exactly do you believe are the likely effects of the proposed partnership
on the Police / public relationship?
7)
It is often claimed that cameras will “change speeding behaviour”. After
ten years of cameras, can you produce any evidence that this has happened?
I would
like to meet you – informally, in private and in confidence if you prefer
– and discuss these issues. I can produce an enormous amount of evidence
to support my case and you are absolutely welcome to examine it in any
way that might seem suitable. I seek nothing from the meeting except the
opportunity to assist Northern Constabulary in making the Highlands roads
safer using sound and proven strategies.
I spoke
to Derek Croney (partnership planning manager, I believe) on the telephone
in a brief and positive conversation, and we immediately agreed that we
should meet to discuss the issues and we made an appointment. I was disappointed
a few hours later when Derek Croney telephoned me apologetically to explain
that Chief Inspector Arnott had forbidden him from attending the meeting.
Please explain this restrictive behaviour.
I have
called a public meeting in Inverness on Thursday 13th May at the Thistle
Hotel. Doors Open 7pm. I would be very pleased indeed if you could attend
or send a representative. I would gladly give your representative an unhindered
opportunity to address the audience.
Safe
Speed is pro road safety, pro roads policing, pro speed limits and pro
intelligent enforcement of road traffic laws. What we are against is Policing
for profit and blind enforcement of arbitrary speed limits.
I urge
you to examine our evidence.
Yours
sincerely
Paul
Smith
CC
John Thurso MP |
