M1 South Yorkshire - 1,000 nicked
Discussion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/so
Hundreds speed through roadworks
More than 1,000 motorists have been caught speeding through roadworks on the M1 in just four days.
A 50mph limit is being enforced on a 2.5mile (4.1km) stretch between junctions 32 and 33 near Rotherham while the safety works are carried out.
Speed cameras captured at least one driver travelling at 94mph in the zone.
The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership said it was unbelievable that so many drivers were ignoring the limit and jeopardising workers' safety.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it," said spokesman Paul Mason.
"We're going to have to process these offences because they've been captured but ideally we'd rather not have to. Slow down please."
Paul Smith, of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, said a 2004 report into motorway safety during roadworks, on behalf of the Highways Agency, had shown speed cameras increased the number of accidents.
Using police patrols was a far more effective way of ensuring people stayed below the speed limit, he added.
"The degree of irresponsibility here is extraordinary," he said. "They're clinging to the belief that speed cameras are an instant safety device.
"I'm amazed that they're still using fixed speed cameras on roadworks on motorways because their own research shows they don't work."
The fines will generate more than £60,000 for the Lord Chancellor's office, from which South Yorkshire Police can reclaim expenses for installing the cameras and processing the fines.
'Respect the limit'
But Ch Insp Ian Bint said the 50mph limit had been imposed for safety reasons and not as a money-making exercise.
"We are not interested in issuing fines, we are just trying to ensure safety at the site of major roadworks," he said.
The safety and maintenance works are expected to last until September.
They include resurfacing the carriageway with low noise material, upgrading the steel safety fencing and repairing drainage systems.
***
Safe Speed issued the following PR at 13:51 today:
PR333: Dangerous Policing in South Yorkshire
news: for immediate release
South Yorkshire Police have announced catching over 1,000 motorists speeding in
M1 roadworks. Apparently they are using fixed speed cameras, because they refer
to one of the cameras running out of film.
But the best research that exists on the subject (TRL595) warns that fixed
speed cameras in motorway roadworks INCREASE crashes by 55%.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "The degree of irresponsibility here is
extraordinary. Despite the fact that our best science warns that these cameras
massively increase danger, they persist, presumably running only on blind faith
and a massive misunderstanding of the evidence that is available."
"TRL595 was hidden away until I uncovered it using the freedom of information
act. No larger study of motorway road works safety has ever been carried out in
the UK. It is the best science. Motorists will not be surprised that these
confounded cameras increase dangers. They would rather be concentrating on the
road ahead instead of wholly artificial and distracting threats to their
driving licences."
"We need road safety based on best science and best practice, not blind faith
and twisted statistics."
"Speed camera policy has failed to improve road safety. Fixed speed cameras on
motorway roadworks are amongst the most dangerous."
"Get these dangerous cameras off our roads right now!"
<ends>
Notes for editors
=================
South Yorkshire Police PR:
http://southyorks.police.uk/news/deta
Safe Speed page on TRL595:
www.safespeed.org.uk/trl595.html
Previous PR on TRL595:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SafeSpe
Hundreds speed through roadworks
More than 1,000 motorists have been caught speeding through roadworks on the M1 in just four days.
A 50mph limit is being enforced on a 2.5mile (4.1km) stretch between junctions 32 and 33 near Rotherham while the safety works are carried out.
Speed cameras captured at least one driver travelling at 94mph in the zone.
The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership said it was unbelievable that so many drivers were ignoring the limit and jeopardising workers' safety.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it," said spokesman Paul Mason.
"We're going to have to process these offences because they've been captured but ideally we'd rather not have to. Slow down please."
Paul Smith, of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, said a 2004 report into motorway safety during roadworks, on behalf of the Highways Agency, had shown speed cameras increased the number of accidents.
Using police patrols was a far more effective way of ensuring people stayed below the speed limit, he added.
"The degree of irresponsibility here is extraordinary," he said. "They're clinging to the belief that speed cameras are an instant safety device.
"I'm amazed that they're still using fixed speed cameras on roadworks on motorways because their own research shows they don't work."
The fines will generate more than £60,000 for the Lord Chancellor's office, from which South Yorkshire Police can reclaim expenses for installing the cameras and processing the fines.
'Respect the limit'
But Ch Insp Ian Bint said the 50mph limit had been imposed for safety reasons and not as a money-making exercise.
"We are not interested in issuing fines, we are just trying to ensure safety at the site of major roadworks," he said.
The safety and maintenance works are expected to last until September.
They include resurfacing the carriageway with low noise material, upgrading the steel safety fencing and repairing drainage systems.
***
Safe Speed issued the following PR at 13:51 today:
PR333: Dangerous Policing in South Yorkshire
news: for immediate release
South Yorkshire Police have announced catching over 1,000 motorists speeding in
M1 roadworks. Apparently they are using fixed speed cameras, because they refer
to one of the cameras running out of film.
But the best research that exists on the subject (TRL595) warns that fixed
speed cameras in motorway roadworks INCREASE crashes by 55%.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "The degree of irresponsibility here is
extraordinary. Despite the fact that our best science warns that these cameras
massively increase danger, they persist, presumably running only on blind faith
and a massive misunderstanding of the evidence that is available."
"TRL595 was hidden away until I uncovered it using the freedom of information
act. No larger study of motorway road works safety has ever been carried out in
the UK. It is the best science. Motorists will not be surprised that these
confounded cameras increase dangers. They would rather be concentrating on the
road ahead instead of wholly artificial and distracting threats to their
driving licences."
"We need road safety based on best science and best practice, not blind faith
and twisted statistics."
"Speed camera policy has failed to improve road safety. Fixed speed cameras on
motorway roadworks are amongst the most dangerous."
"Get these dangerous cameras off our roads right now!"
<ends>
Notes for editors
=================
South Yorkshire Police PR:
http://southyorks.police.uk/news/deta
Safe Speed page on TRL595:
www.safespeed.org.uk/trl595.html
Previous PR on TRL595:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SafeSpe
numpty said:
The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership said it was unbelievable that so many drivers were ignoring the limit and jeopardising workers' safety.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it, especially when there are no workers to be seen because they're all in the pub" said spokesman Paul Mason.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it, especially when there are no workers to be seen because they're all in the pub" said spokesman Paul Mason.
Parrot of Doom said:
numpty said:
The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership said it was unbelievable that so many drivers were ignoring the limit and jeopardising workers' safety.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it, especially when there are no workers to be seen because they're all in the pub" said spokesman Paul Mason.
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason and can't believe that people would ignore it, especially when there are no workers to be seen because they're all in the pub" said spokesman Paul Mason.
numpty said:
"We've imposed a 50mph speed limit for a very good reason.
They have also imposed many a reduced limit for no reason at all. Comes as no surprise that people can't tell the difference.
a spokesman said:
"We're going to have to process these offences because they've been captured but ideally we'd rather not have to. Slow down please."
What they really mean, is that this lot is going in the bin, or will be processed but unchecked as we don't have the staff to deal with this amount of paperwork.
Edited by shuvitupya on Thursday 6th July 17:58
You only have to drive along the M4 at the moment to see how dangerous these cameras are.
It doesn't help that they choose to hide them behind bushes and bridge supports, or camourflaged amongst the large yellow signs. It seems they deliberately place them to catch drivers out rather than slow them down, which of course contributes to panic braking, hence the rise in accidents.
It's these tactics that tell the truth about the SCP's intentions.
It doesn't help that they choose to hide them behind bushes and bridge supports, or camourflaged amongst the large yellow signs. It seems they deliberately place them to catch drivers out rather than slow them down, which of course contributes to panic braking, hence the rise in accidents.
It's these tactics that tell the truth about the SCP's intentions.
I've seen the cameras here - when I first saw the cameras, I joined at one junction and the 50 sign was AFTER the camera (there were cones out but god only knows how I could work out that it was a 50)
Not good is it.
Every time I've been up there, the cones are out, but I've never seen a workman.
And the panic breaking is awful - far more dangerous now.
Not good is it.
Every time I've been up there, the cones are out, but I've never seen a workman.
And the panic breaking is awful - far more dangerous now.
deeps said:
You only have to drive along the M4 at the moment to see how dangerous these cameras are.
It doesn't help that they choose to hide them behind bushes and bridge supports, or camourflaged amongst the large yellow signs. It seems they deliberately place them to catch drivers out rather than slow them down, which of course contributes to panic braking, hence the rise in accidents.
It's these tactics that tell the truth about the SCP's intentions.
It doesn't help that they choose to hide them behind bushes and bridge supports, or camourflaged amongst the large yellow signs. It seems they deliberately place them to catch drivers out rather than slow them down, which of course contributes to panic braking, hence the rise in accidents.
It's these tactics that tell the truth about the SCP's intentions.
Yes I think there is one between the M4/M5 interchange of the M4 and Bath, it is partially hidden by a low hanging branch.
Sorry Guys I don't agree
If the limit is 50 then what's the problem - you travel at 50 or risk being caught, if you're at 50 you won't panic break when you see the little yellow box at the side and the lines on the road, and as you're already at 50 others will be behind you at similar speeds
I have to say that travelling thru the 40 MPH limit on the M1 a few months back was a pleasure (if not in terms of the speed) everyone was at 40 and with good distances between the cars - I suppose that the fact the cameras are the SPECs ones helps.
It doesn't matter if we agree with the limits being there. If you keep to the limit you'll avoid the scameras and the need to have points, which will keep insurances costs down. Saving money all round..... (and preventing money grabbing bar stewards from nicking YOUR hard earnt cash)
If the limit is 50 then what's the problem - you travel at 50 or risk being caught, if you're at 50 you won't panic break when you see the little yellow box at the side and the lines on the road, and as you're already at 50 others will be behind you at similar speeds
I have to say that travelling thru the 40 MPH limit on the M1 a few months back was a pleasure (if not in terms of the speed) everyone was at 40 and with good distances between the cars - I suppose that the fact the cameras are the SPECs ones helps.
It doesn't matter if we agree with the limits being there. If you keep to the limit you'll avoid the scameras and the need to have points, which will keep insurances costs down. Saving money all round..... (and preventing money grabbing bar stewards from nicking YOUR hard earnt cash)
michaeljclark said:
stuff
Forget what "people" should do and look at the evidence.
The SCP in question claim that they don't want to catch people but would rather they slow down, and then their camera catches 1000+ people in a few days.
The camera demonstrably isn't slowing 'people' down and has therefore failed in its duty. Clearly its time to look at other solutions instead.
michaeljclark said:
I have to say that travelling thru the 40 MPH limit on the M1 a few months back was a pleasure (if not in terms of the speed) everyone was at 40 and with good distances between the cars - I suppose that the fact the cameras are the SPECs ones helps.
Travelled on that section of the M1 for the first time as well last week. Most were keeping to the limit but it did make it boring as hell driving at 40. Didnt see much work activity either but then it was a sunday - why they cant work on Sundays to minimus the invconvenience I dont know.
michaeljclark said:
Sorry Guys I don't agree
If the limit is 50 then what's the problem...
If the limit is 50 then what's the problem...
The problem is that best science says these cameras increase motorway road works crashes by 55%.
www.safespeed.org.uk/trl595.html
michaeljclark said:
It doesn't matter if we agree with the limits being there. If you
keep to the limit you'll avoid the scameras and the need to have
points, which will keep insurances costs down. Saving money all
round..... (and preventing money grabbing bar stewards from nicking
YOUR hard earnt cash)
Obey. Obey. Obey.
Don't think about it, just obey.
Let's ignore the science that the other posters have pointed
out that crashes are substantially increased.
Let's not find a better way. Let's just obey. We are sheep, after all.
pdV6 said:
The SCP in question claim that they don't want to catch people but would rather they slow down, and then their camera catches 1000+ people in a few days.
1000 people failed to look at their surroundings and see a 50 MPH speed limit sign and there for are NOT driving with "due car and attention".
pdV6 said:
The camera demonstrably isn't slowing 'people' down and has therefore failed in its duty. Clearly its time to look at other solutions instead.
The camera is not there to slow people down (other than the idoits panic breaking). The camera's ONLY part in all this is to capture a before and after 10 by 8 showing the car exceeding the limit.
The SCP wants poeple to slow down - so they put limits up which people ignore - I don't agree with the limits being in force and no sod working in the roadworksm - if they actually worked the weekends the road works might be finished quicker.
DCB said:
Let's ignore the science that the other posters have pointed out that crashes are substantially increased.
DCB - Take the mick all you like about obeying, but if people travelled at the right speed, and didn't hit the anchors every time a camera loomed in front of them, the other person travelling behind (probably too close to the person in front and going too fast) wouldn't rear end the car infront and thus become another stastic which the SCP's gladly use as evidence for needing a flipping camera.
It really doesn't matter if you like the limit's we have - they are there and I suppose that by signing your Drivers License - you're agreeing to abide by the rule of the road - rather like signing a credit agreement in comet when you buy equipiment - you're agreeing to their terms and conditons - if you don't like them don't purchase.
The only real problem here is that a camera was activated by 1000 people who were travelling at above 50MPH (lets say in excess of 57MPH). And we're sitting here on PH talking about it.
Edited by michaeljclark on Friday 7th July 11:55
Edited by michaeljclark on Friday 7th July 11:57
michaeljclark said:
It really doesn't matter if you like the limit's we have - they are there and I suppose that by signing your Drivers License - you're agreeing to abide by the rule of the road - rather like signing a credit agreement in comet when you buy equipiment - you're agreeing to their terms and conditons - if you don't like them don't purchase.
I signed my DL nearly 30 years ago. The Ts&Cs have been changed since then. Unilaterally.
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