Thursday 31st March 2005

Council rejects speed cameras

Bromley reckons they're cash cows to cane motorists

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Rejected Gatso

Bromley Council has blocked the installation of 18 speed cameras requested by Transport for London, according to a BBC report. Instead, the Tory-run council said that cameras were being used to "milk motorists".

One councillor, George Taylor, reportedly said that signs which flashed up a motorist's speed were just as effective, as opposed to the cameras, which called a punitive measure and a cash cow to cane motorists.

TfL said that they only wanted to cut fatalities, and that the cameras would be centrally funded. The local camera partnership said some of Bromley's accident hotspots desperately needed cameras.

Road safety campaign Safe Speed said it hoped that this marked the beginning of the end of speed cameras.

Founder Paul Smith said, "It's great to see Bromley council resisting extensions to the absurd and flawed speed camera initiative. Clearly it is being ever more widely recognised that the infernal boxes are not making the roads safer. How long will it be before the government catches on? Road deaths are going up because speed cameras are the wrong road safety policy."

[Mudflap]

I live in Bromley and I think this is wonderful news. The signs that light up to warn you of your speed are much more effective that these infernal cash cows. One thing that puzzles a lot of residents of Bromley is that a lot of these proposed scameras would be sited in Kent so what the hell Transport for London has do do with it is a bit of a mystery. Could do with some more councils following Bromley's lead in this.

>>> Edited by Mudflap on Thursday 31st March 09:46

[jack&mle]

This is a very good sign
When I see one of those sign, which flashed my speed I slow down and then won't speed up straight after, unlike a traditional speed camera.


Jack

[size13]

Somebody must have put this story out a day early!

A council using common sense - it must an April fools joke

[new scot]

So how can we get the Dumfries & Galloway regional authority, that mints a fortune with video vans on the bridges on the M74 just north of the border, to buy into this real common sense initiative?

[guitarman]

This story is fantastic news, and needs as much publicity as possible. Perhaps all councils can start to be pressurized into following this example.

[TVR-NUT]

Well if the council stick to their word and are not just talking a load of hot air, then this is great news for the residents of Bromley.

Mark

[guitarman]

It really is time all motorists stuck together and formed one almighty powerful pressure group.

[gofasterrosssco]

Good idea, we can call it the Motoring Majority!.....sorry

[tricky69]

Is this to do with being a tory council ??

[JagLover]

tricky69 said:

Is this to do with being a tory council ??

There is another Tory Council in London (can't remember the name) which is dismantling alot of the 'traffic calming' measures in that borough.

[DodgeyRog]

If the police went after real criminals instead of the "easy" target, maybe the crime rate wouldn't be so stupid!!!

I'll get off my soap-box now....

[wiggy001]

Agreed that this is good news. All they need to do now is put the signs that flash your speed in areas where it is actually possible to exceed the limit!

Sign 1: St Mary Cray Highstreet which is lined with humps! To set the sign off would require a low-flying aircraft!

Sign 2: Leeson's Hill... a few yards from a mini roundabout which, due to the islands and parked cars, cannot be passed through at anything close to the limit.

I'm sure there are more...

Like I say, good in theory...

[BeVo]

I cant stand these things and I also cant stand Bromley Council. Well now one of those opinions has changed. F******* Cameras.

Just send everyone videos of what happens if you speed in dangerous areas. . .it worked for my motorbike test !

[stooz]

Good to see the tories are sticking to their word

[NiceCupOfTea]

JagLover said:

tricky69 said: Is this to do with being a tory council ?? There is another Tory Council in London (can't remember the name) which is dismantling alot of the 'traffic calming' measures in that borough.

Was that Barnet? I seem to remember them saying they were getting rid of all their speed bumps. Wish they'd do it everywhere...

BTW, similar thread running in GG :

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=141&t=166796

[dunno]

I have heard that councillors are trying to do this in my local Borough of Bury. The country will run no matter what party is elected but one that undertakes the removal of scameras etc gets my vote straight away.

[granville]

A Tory council?

The dream I dare not dream...

[doddi]

This is indeed great news, but I'm gonna admit that the signs that light up don't do anything for me, I drive past one every day. It lights up, starts flashing and i kep going. that aside its fantastic news, tories have my vote!

[petros]

right, time for a move of house, i think. Bromely sounds like just my sort of place !!

[granville]

dunno said:

I have heard that councillors are trying to do this in my local Borough of Bury.ay.

Blimey! In that case, do you think we might occasionally exchange neighbouring councillors?

Our lot would have your roads looking like Beruit, 1980 in no time!