RE: FN-FORUM [OT] Radar Detectors (Was: Design Critique)

date posted 24th January 2003 15:54

> On the one hand they say speed cameras are placed in accident
blackspots. On the otherhand when they're
> questioned by Auto Express' campaign for the introduction of an
accident blackspot sign to warn people
> of a dodgy bit of road, they say they don't exist!

That's strange. My understanding of the laws allowing speed cameras are
that they must actually be within a certain distance from roads which
are defined as accident blackspots!. The problem with those regulations
were that the accidents on the road were not necessarily connected to
speed (a favorite up here is the roads that switch back and forward from
dual carriageway to singe!), and ofcourse being allowed a specified
distance away was a bit of a loophole since the cameras were then put on
the any road within the area REGARDLESS of the accident rate on that
road.

I personally think it is ridiculous that the government is spending so
much time and money now on trying to demonise speeding. Driving
dangerously yes! And that would include excessive speed in built up
areas but they would be better of, and same more lives by banning
smoking (oops sorry smoking related deaths are ok after all there is tax
on smoking!).

Another pet peeve is that using a mobile phone while driving in an
offence (I do NOT use my phone when driving) but smoking while driving
is not. Come on, surely carrying an alight item while trying to drive
should be outlawed, not to mention that it is in effect drug taking and
should be treated as such.