Top Gear and the speed camera debate
Discussion
Top Gear on Sunday included Ladyman MP as the 'star' in the reasonably priced car. The banter during this slot included JC trying to make the case against speed cameras whilst Ladyman spouted the usual 'speed cameras are wonderful' lines with alleged evidence thereof.
I was very disappointed with JC - his arguments (if you could call them that) were ill-thought through, missed many of the key points and he was unable to counter Ladyman effectively; IMHO the 'debate' would have left the neutral viewer either still neutral or pro-scamera. I think we needed somelike like Paul Smith there to counter Ladyman's arguments effectively, so I think Top Gear actually did us a disservice.
What does the PH Massive think of this 'debate' on Sunday?
I was very disappointed with JC - his arguments (if you could call them that) were ill-thought through, missed many of the key points and he was unable to counter Ladyman effectively; IMHO the 'debate' would have left the neutral viewer either still neutral or pro-scamera. I think we needed somelike like Paul Smith there to counter Ladyman's arguments effectively, so I think Top Gear actually did us a disservice.
What does the PH Massive think of this 'debate' on Sunday?
Have a search, it's been covered in one or two threads already.
Yes, JC could easily have lain into Ladyman much more. It seemed to me, on reflection, that Ladyman is only toeing the party line with the absurd government obsession with speed over all else. After all, if he truly believed he was only "safe" if he kept to the speed limits he wouldn't have 9 points on his licence would he? The fact is, he probably is a safe driver because he drives according to the conditions and keeps a good eye out for danger to life and limb - which doesn't include looking out for speed cameras.
Yes, JC could easily have lain into Ladyman much more. It seemed to me, on reflection, that Ladyman is only toeing the party line with the absurd government obsession with speed over all else. After all, if he truly believed he was only "safe" if he kept to the speed limits he wouldn't have 9 points on his licence would he? The fact is, he probably is a safe driver because he drives according to the conditions and keeps a good eye out for danger to life and limb - which doesn't include looking out for speed cameras.
cliffe_mafia said:
Ladyman also said that all cameras were painted yellow too - he must have forgotten about all of the mobile ones.
>> Edited by cliffe_mafia on Wednesday 30th November 13:49
Deliberately, I'm sure. He emphasised the stupidity of drivers who don't see the fixed cameras but totally ignored the hidden mobile ones. As these are the ones that are multiplying, it was strange that Clarkson didn't grasp the opportunity to beat him up on this.
major swizz! JC hasn't got the sharpest of minds for tripping up those he interviews. That, coupled with the fact that the questions would have been arranged before hand made for a very lack lustre performance. I assume that the audience had be given some sort of tranquiliser prior to the show....
The name says it all really.
And he's 3 points from a ban. Now THAT would be nice to see happen to such a hypocrite!
Road safety my arrshhh!
Think JC's arguements were lame, but only as lame as the ones the scameraships use anyway, so I felt he was fighting like for like
Anyone else think the TG audience are mostly not into cars? I dunno. Just no enthusiasm?
Dave
And he's 3 points from a ban. Now THAT would be nice to see happen to such a hypocrite!
Road safety my arrshhh!
Think JC's arguements were lame, but only as lame as the ones the scameraships use anyway, so I felt he was fighting like for like
Anyone else think the TG audience are mostly not into cars? I dunno. Just no enthusiasm?
Dave
Mr Whippy said:
The name says it all really.
Anyone else think the TG audience are mostly not into cars? I dunno. Just no enthusiasm?
Dave
Not sure how many times they have to see the same item rehearsed before it goes in the can. Could be a bit of a turn off especially when you have to stand.
Agreed, JC is no Paxo.
Mon Ami Mate said:
There would have been a deal done in order for Ladyman to appear.
"I'll turn up and present the party line, if you agree only to ask me questions A, B and C."
Thats why the BBC will not employ me as a producer cos I would have tortured him till he said "Yes speed cameras as only about revenue and they kill loads of people every year. The government want all the ordinary people to travel on the bus and smell of wee, have nits and be grateful for a minimum wage and an average of 2 years of retirement before dieing of speed hump induced cancer"
But then unlike all the BBC employees I have balls and no morals.
What I found a bit strange, is that seeming as all the evidence data and reports show that these cameras do absolutely sod all to accident rates, they have decided to create a four year report that says the opposite.
It is very worrying, that he knows the result of the report (we know it will say cameras have saved the world), but isnt the report not supposed to have a pre-arranged conclusion?
I always thought these reports were supposed to look at the evidence (i.e. stats show deaths raise directly with fines), and come up with findings, not have the answer, and then try to find some statistics to prove the answer.
What is even more disturbing, is that he didn't know that these partnerships use non driving accidents, (like the man commiting suicide from a bridge) to justify camera activity, does he not know what these idiots are doing?
It is very worrying, that he knows the result of the report (we know it will say cameras have saved the world), but isnt the report not supposed to have a pre-arranged conclusion?
I always thought these reports were supposed to look at the evidence (i.e. stats show deaths raise directly with fines), and come up with findings, not have the answer, and then try to find some statistics to prove the answer.
What is even more disturbing, is that he didn't know that these partnerships use non driving accidents, (like the man commiting suicide from a bridge) to justify camera activity, does he not know what these idiots are doing?
julianc said:JC's figures all come from SafeSpeed and remember last series or the one before where he had a real go at the governments statistics... I reckon that was as good as you were going to get from Ladyman. Rich...
I think we needed somelike like Paul Smith there to counter Ladyman's arguments effectively, so I think Top Gear actually did us a disservice.
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