Speed limits and drivers going "as fast as they want"

[GPSHead]

We are frequently told by some of our more authoritarian posters that those who in any way object to the proliferation of speed cameras and lowered speed limits just want to be able to drive "as fast as they want". I do wonder whether this assertion is being made in good faith, since it is usually made smugly, without evidence, and at times which seem cherry-picked for maximum annoyance (and to distract from the substance of the debate), but I'll charitably and virtuously assume it's in good faith for now.

Let's go through this very slowly, to leave no room for "misinterpretation". Let us say that the Magic Speed Limit is 20mph, with plenty of life-saving cameras. Does this mean that:

1) Drivers are allowed to go "as fast as they want", without due regard for road conditions, as long as it's within 20mph;

or that:

2) Drivers are not allowed to go as "fast as they want", and still have to moderate their speed according to the road conditions, but they also have to cap their speed at 20mph?

If your answer is 1, then, well, no comment as they say. But do feel free to prove you're right by driving past a police car at 60mph on a typical single-track NSL road. Why not keep doing it in fact?

If your answer is 2, then please consider this further question. The scenario is the same as before, but now, the life-saving cameras have been removed (and maybe, shock horror, the Magic Speed Limit has been raised or even removed altogether). Does this mean that:

1) The aforementioned prohibition on people driving "as fast as they want" has mysteriously been removed (where did it go? It was here a moment ago);

or that:

2) People are still not allowed to drive "as fast as they want", regardless of what the speed limit is, how it is enforced, or whether it even exists at all?

If your answer is 1, I anxiously await your reasoning as to why people can suddenly drive "as fast as they want" in this scenario, but not the previous one.

If your answer is 2, then you presumably agree with me that those who question speed camera or speed limit policy are not in fact trying to allow drivers to go "as fast as they want".


(Yes, I know it's bloody obvious. But some, for whatever reason, keep behaving as though it's not. Perhaps this thread can be cited if they try the same tactic yet again.)