M4 SPEED CAMERAS ATTACKED IN COMMONS
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M4 SPEED CAMERAS ATTACKED IN COMMONS
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11:00 - 25 May 2005
The introduction of speed cameras on the M4 near Bath has come under fire in the House of Commons as a money-making scheme. Tory transport spokesman Greg Knight yesterday challenged the Government to "come clean" and admit the main aim of the mobile cameras patrolling the motorway between junctions 14 and 18 was to bring in cash.
Mr Knight joined the increasing clamour over the need for the units, which the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership says are vital to reduce the stretch of motorway's accident rate.
He asked Transport Secretary Alistair Darling: "Does the Secretary of State not realise that the public would have more respect for him and what he has to say if he came clean on this issue and admitted that the prime duty of many speed cameras is to raise revenue from the long-suffering British motorist?
"If he will not admit that, will he tell us why speed cameras are now appearing on our motorways, which are the safest roads in Britain? Why are speed cameras being installed on the M4, for example?"
He said there should be a full audit of all speed cameras "to restore a sense of justice and fairness to the enforcement of our road traffic laws".
Mr Darling said all cameras were "there to save lives and for no other reason".
http://www.thisisbath.com/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163301&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163031&contentPK=12517347
Next Story | Previous Story | Back to list
11:00 - 25 May 2005
The introduction of speed cameras on the M4 near Bath has come under fire in the House of Commons as a money-making scheme. Tory transport spokesman Greg Knight yesterday challenged the Government to "come clean" and admit the main aim of the mobile cameras patrolling the motorway between junctions 14 and 18 was to bring in cash.
Mr Knight joined the increasing clamour over the need for the units, which the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership says are vital to reduce the stretch of motorway's accident rate.
He asked Transport Secretary Alistair Darling: "Does the Secretary of State not realise that the public would have more respect for him and what he has to say if he came clean on this issue and admitted that the prime duty of many speed cameras is to raise revenue from the long-suffering British motorist?
"If he will not admit that, will he tell us why speed cameras are now appearing on our motorways, which are the safest roads in Britain? Why are speed cameras being installed on the M4, for example?"
He said there should be a full audit of all speed cameras "to restore a sense of justice and fairness to the enforcement of our road traffic laws".
Mr Darling said all cameras were "there to save lives and for no other reason".
http://www.thisisbath.com/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163301&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163031&contentPK=12517347
Greg Knight 
Darling the badgerMore and more people are being snared by speed cameras, I suspect a high percentage of these people will now think what a stupid idea they are (even if they thought otherwise before getting caught). I really worry about the attitude to the Police from Joe Public. I know the Police don't have that much to do with this, but the general attitude of "why aren't you out catching burglars?" from the public must be getting worse as time goes on.
The worm will turn sooner or later. It just so happens the worm looks like a badger.
The worm will turn sooner or later. It just so happens the worm looks like a badger.
james_j said:
"...Mr Darling said all cameras were "there to save lives and for no other reason...".
Well said Mr Knight and what a complete ar$e you are Darling.
Let's hope this issue doesn't just fade away now that it's been aired in such a forum.
Methinks the toothesome cornetto's brain ist molten goo....
Und how does he explain those "another crash on M4" despite the scams then? Und does he not realise that people will be looking at bridges und speedos und maybe just veer out of lane a bit...
Alistair Darling said:
all cameras were "there to save lives and for no other reason".
Oh sod of you cock. As a frequent user of that section of motorway I have seen it get more dangerous. The artificial imposition of an outdated maximum ceiling speed just isnt working....
I keep posting up here the accidents which occur on "that" section of motorway - as far as I can see its killing and injuring just as many (if not more) as before the cameras.... speed is not the issue and its one BIG con.
targarama said:
but the general attitude of "why aren't you out catching burglars?" from the public must be getting worse as time goes on.
We are!
Burglary has fallen in most forces by between 10% and 20% over the last couple of years. We are catching the burglars. Once caught however the system most definately needs a tweak!
Most forces also have increased their detection rates dramatically over the last year after threats from H.O. to come in and run the show if they don't.
My force last year overall detection rate of 13.5%
This year 27.5% and climbing.
gone said:
Most forces also have increased their detection rates dramatically over the last year after threats from H.O. to come in and run the show if they don't.
My force last year overall detection rate of 13.5%
This year 27.5% and climbing.
This is not intended as a dig - but do those rate increases include camera-related convictions? Or are those specifically burglary figures?
>> Edited by miniman on Thursday 26th May 11:16
gone said:
but the general attitude of "why aren't you out catching burglars?" from the public must be getting worse as time goes on.
We are!
Burglary has fallen in most forces by between 10% and 20% over the last couple of years. We are catching the burglars. Once caught however the system most definately needs a tweak!
Most forces also have increased their detection rates dramatically over the last year after threats from H.O. to come in and run the show if they don't.
My force last year overall detection rate of 13.5%
This year 27.5% and climbing.
I wasn't getting at you guys Gone - just commenting on how the general public perceive things. I know you're doing a good job.
What percentage of crime do you estimate is directly as a result of those on drugs/needing to pay for their drug habit?
gone said:
My force last year overall detection rate of 13.5%
This year 27.5% and climbing.
How much is due to more crimes per incident?
e.g. 2 people fighting could be:
2 x GBH + 2 x criminal damage (both broke their watches) + 2 x drunk and disorderly + etc + etc
or
2 x warnings were issued
First case is an easy 6+ crimes and 6+ detections, second is just 2.
At the moment, I don't think it really matters anyway, the general public has a perception and pushing figures around won't change their minds. The only thing that will is a visible improvement in the level of crime (especially anti-social stuff) and either removal of 95% of speed cameras or proof that Joe Public is not being fleeced by speed cameras.
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