Speed Camera Suspected Cause of Death

[ledfoot]

Driver 'may have been distracted'


Myra Nevett was fatally injured walking home
A driver who knocked down a 69-year-old woman could have been distracted by a speed camera, a coroner said.
John Pollard recorded a verdict of accidental death saying the yellow speed detector cameras could distract drivers "even momentarily".

Myra Nevett, 69, was killed after a car hit her in Disley, Stockport, Greater Manchester, on 16 December last year.

Driver Arthur Hadfield is due to face a charge of driving without due car and attention in Stockport on 24 January.


The driver could momentarily be distracted and concentrate on their speed instead of the road

John Pollard, Stockport coroner

Mr Pollard called on police and local authorities to review their policies on speed cameras.

"The Gatso [camera] can distract the driver. The driver could momentarily be distracted and concentrate on their speed instead of the road," he said.

"I have thought for some time that Gatso cameras, together with all the road furniture we have these days such as flashing lights and line markings, conspire to confuse many drivers and may contribute to road accidents."

Mr Pollard said although some cameras are necessary, there are too many and some are "improperly placed."

Questioned by Mr Pollard, police accident investigator Pc Michael Jeffrey agreed that the cameras could distract drivers as they might concentrate on their speed rather than on the road ahead.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3721018.stm

[PetrolTed]

Keep up at the back

[8Pack]

I have to applaud Mr Pollard for having the guts to voice his concerns on this subject, against the torrent of spin flouted by other interested parties.

I would have added one thing to his comments though, that of: "improperly sited camera's" to include improperly used camera's, i.e. for motives of PROFIT rather than SAFETY. This type of use I believe IS promoting a "conditioned response" amongst motorist these days, and is dangerous.

I first heard about this earlier today and believe there was an article in the Manchester Evening News, does anyone have a copy to post on the site?

[mybrainhurts]

A coroner blamed a reduced speed limit for a death a few years ago.

[cptsideways]

I posted a request for some photographer types this week to see exactly where drivers were looking when passing a junction on the A303 with a camera.

Not done it yet but I know what the result will be.......

[monster1]

All that will happen is that the cameras will be hidden or SPECS used.

Better the Devil you know (and can see)