Speed Cameras Debate Archive. Old Postings from Early 2004

jim
If cameras are reducing accidents then why are the amount of drivers being caught speeding is rising every year! but yet they say the accident rate at camera sites are being reduced by 30%, but the drivers are still speeding doesnt this say that speed has no relation to accidents, because if speeding does have an affect on accidents then why isnt there more accidents at a camera site because there is a hell of alot of drivers getting caught speeding. And to the word speeding this just means a car exceeding the speed limit, and now you find 99% of the time the speed limit on such roads has been dropped to a stupidly low speed like 70mph to 40mph and then they enforce this limit with mobile camera vans, its all getting to a point which is getting beyond the joke if it was safe to do 70mph 20 or 40 years ago so why isnt it still safe why uptil has the speed limit been left alone and only now has it been dropped yet we have new abs and esp technology! all this ''speeding'' thing has only one thing in mind and thats to get your money! money money money!

Jonathan Kershaw
(apologies in advance that this doesn't relate to the Stafford area, but I am making a general point): I feel compelled to write something here as I have recently received my second "speeding" fine, and I believe that it was grossly unfair (but then I would, wouldn't I?). I was snapped doing 39 mph through a 30 mph zone on the A36 near Salisbury. This was an unfamiliar road for me as I live in Cornwall (!) and this case illustrates just how easy it is to be "wise after the event". I am angry because the village prior to the one with the Gatso (camera) had been clearly marked up as a 40 mph zone, with constant reminders both on the road surface itself and also by the side of the road. (I went back to "investigate" this after I had been issued the ticket). The village in question "South Newton" did have ONE 30mph sign (well, of course it did), which I just missed and then - and this is the important bit - there were no further confirmations of the speed limit. As I had had it drummed in to me that the limit was 40 in the previous village (equally built up) I assumed that the limit was still 40. I saw the Gatso (Camera) from about 200 yds, and thought "better make sure I keep below 40" - 2 flashes later and I'm one step nearer to losing my licence. Two more incidents like this and I'm banned from driving for a year. I regard myself as a conscientious driver, and I applaud all efforts to reduce road accidents and deaths, but in this case I genuinely feel let down by the lack of any "reminders". It is not always clear what the difference between a 30 and a 40 zone is - is it? Of course, they don't make it easy for you to complain about such things, but I will try! If the police are determined to keep us to a set speed, they must be consistent and keep reminding us what the speed limit is. It should be possible to buy a machine that tells you what the current speed limit is CONSTANTLY, so drivers can't make this mistake again.

matt swindells
they are a menace and i dont like them they caught me on my moped going 80 mph and i was upset very upset

Brain In A Jar
All these moaners saying it's a money making idea. It's simple - don't speed and you won't have to pay up!

ANNIE
It is speed that kills and inconsiderate driving. Ask anyone who has lost someone in an accident where speeding or thoughtlessness are concerned. All those who speed will one day not arrive at their destination. Everyone is in such a hurry today, slow down and survive.

David H {stoke }
Monny making for sure not safty there are no cameras on the road between biddulph and hanley through burslem ware boy racers regualy travel at 60 to 70 in a 30 zone i have complained to police they were not interested

ADRIAN L
I have been taxi driving for a number of years now and drive to the best of my abbility. I have held my licence since 1992 and I feel that drivers are being conned into making mistakes on the roads of staffordshire. On April 01st 2004 I was traveling from Trentham Gardens on the A34 to Trent Vale. I headed in the direction of Trent Vale when I was flashed by a speed camera to my amazement. After 14 days I recieved a letter telling me that I was caught speeding 39mph in a 30mph zone Stone Road Trent Vale going north. After I recieved the letter I then decieded to retrace the journey to find that they had altered the speed restriction without any prior notice all what they have done is put two 30mph zone circles on the road so as well as looking infront of you to see what is coming drivers are now faced to look at the floor because they couldn't be bothered to put up a propper sign to say the limit.Other people have told me the same in the same location.

George G
No, the slip roads at Longton are 90 miles per hour not 80 because they are lit up every 20 metres.

Dan
I was flashed by one camera and in honesty it was a 100 % total mistake. Duel carriageway I was doing 50, it was raining and dull, there was a huge truck spraying up water everywhere, so I went past it. Concentrating so much on the road and not the signs I failed to notice there was a small 40 Mph stretch coming up. So at 50 I passed through the speed camera presuming that it was still in a 60. I got flashed I got fined and my insurance went up and I don’t think I deserved it. The whole 40 stretch was a nats ass in distance, and it was an honest mistake. Not bad driving not recklessness. This was Weston I believe. Now in all honesty the other day I did a similar thing, on a road I know well. (The one above I never drove before) I will like to point out I keep the speed limits and my limits driveing safely 99% of the time. I was doing 60 in a 60 my lady was talking to me and for a brief second I forgot what part of the road I was on, this time I didn’t look at the signs as I presumed where I was, so I drove thought the cameras at 60 probably. I realised then mid point that I was in a small 40 stretch again and panicked, I slowed down for the stretch. I do not recall the camera flashing but it was day time and sunny. This incident I can not argue but I was driving safe and it was a small misjudgement on my behalf. I was not doing 60 in a 30 or anything on purpose and my offence only lasted for the distance mid way between start and finish of the cameras markings. Small mistakes are not bad driving or reckless driving. People that race at lights drive at 50 / 60 through town and take bends and roundabouts at light speed need penalising. I have never crashed in 7 years of driving and never caused one. But my insurance now feel free to bump my yearly price up a few hundred for 3 points, and If the second camera gets me more! Tell me this, how come emergency services can drive reckless speeds in large vehicles through towns and so on. Oh yes they are trained drivers, but are all of us trained in the art of dodging? Also is there a part of the law that says the police can drive at 1000 miles per hour? Even in emergencies? Another thing, there should be more of a clamp down on people that have no lane discipline or mirror discipline. Just today the amount of people that have used the wrong lane at a roundabout and presumed it is safe to swerve into the correct one without indicating or any notice should be penalised. What about the morons that think it safe to overtake 4 cars on almost blind bends? If all of us are honest 90% of drivers probably drive 5mph over the limit at times, it’s so easy to blip the accelerator and gain 5mph without noticing. Anyway speed cameras are good and bad, problem is when you honestly make a mistake you get treated the same as people knowingly abusing the limits. I feel cheated and mad, as generally I am safe.

Bob Cratchett
Physical Speed inhibitors such as bumps are a total waste of time & money & are loathed by ambulances & emergency services. Why not spend some/all of this money on direct education to drivers, take away all speed cameras and impose heavy penalties on drivers who CAUSE accidents. In my opinion, MOST/ALL accidents are caused by driver incompetence/negligence: including the THREE I myself have caused!!!!

Jason Parkes
Mobile speed cameras are appearing all over our A roads dual carriage ways etc all across the district, I have yet to see any located by any of the schools in my area. Money making machines? Yes I think so.

John
Scameras are excellent, everytime a flash goes off the government lose a vote, eventually the scameras and them that operate them will be gone.

Moddified car enthusiast
I agree with speed cameras by schools and and in areas where there are accidents but in general 75% of them are used 2 build revenue for the government. They cost £35,000 ish per camera but they proberbly generate that much in a month, the motorist is an easy target for the government. I drive a modified car, and most of you will proberbly blame me for speed humps/cameras and say i'm the reason why the council saw it fit to spend £70,000 on speed humps down festival park. Truth is the council know of a local club of just under 1000 'car enthusiasts' (not boyracers! and there are atleast 100 girls in our club) just like me and we as a group have approched them asking for a place 2 go and show we are willing to work with the police and the council but they have refused to do anything with us. The £70,000 is money that was poorly spent because if you want to come down on a sunday night, theres proberbly 300-500 modified cars and on special dates 1000+ cars. The police constantly bother people like me. Y? Its can't be because our cars are not looked after, infact if its modified its likely to be alot better condition and be better serviced than standard familiy cars. I am an easy target because they know i am willing to pay stupid amounts of insurance (currently almost £2000) and I will pay the fine because i love the car so much. In every case there is a few that spoil it for the rest and the same in my case, 1 idiot smoking up the tyres gives the rest a bad name, but same could be said for football hooligans. Hopefully by posting this i will have changed the opinions of a few ppl, and if i haven't and you still think i'm an idiot thats up to you, its my hobby and i'm not gonna stop.

adam
most people say speed cameras dont work at all they just say it flashes and i think it is much better than having speed bumps because people have no choice but to slow down over them but on speed cameras dont they sometimes cant see them and then they catch them out so they are a usefull thing

A Concerned driver
Speed camera's are a side of driving that comes as a result of bad drivers and deaths! Most camera's should be positioned to redduce deaths, not to generate cash! Local communities should vote on camera's as they know if one is needed.

Simon
Cameras are legalised mugging. They are dangerous as well as you have to watch your speedometer and the moron in front who has slowed excessivly because they do not know the speed limit!

EDDIE
i think the camera are far beteer than the speed humps i feel sure one day some one is going to sue one of the councils for damage to the suspension on theier car

council employee
speed cameras as we all know are the pain of motorists life along with road humps you can guarantee that the local people dont want.the siting of these so called units can actually devalue the price of your house.this country needs a system of roads where those that are concerned about the environment can have one set and go slow and one set for me and the other people who object to car drivers.we also need to realise thatwhilst we have this socialist government they have a policy of so called public transport are the enemy of car drivers

Mike Rutty
Re; "Sleeping Policemen" (that's what I've always called them!) The law is 75mm above the road level. De Montford Road, S. Uttoxeter they were 100mm, they were removed and legal one's put in their place. Each onecosts £1000, there were 2 at a cost of £2000. Where were the Clerks of Works for the Council doing to 'pass' these??? PS I have my own way of dealing with speed cameras - I slow down to 10mph under the shown limit. So for 30mph I do 20. It's callled "Buggeration"

Mark
I Think if people know where the speed cameras are they will slow down before the camera and slow up after they should hide the cameras like they are now starting to do on the a127 coming in to southend . i say hide the cameras . and have more speed bumps in my area would be a gd idea

Matt
"FFMITCHEL", for one in a plane ur not going to run anyone over and if you went 50 mph in plane then you would crash because there is not enough speed. I'm not really bothered about speed cameras because if you get caught then it's your own fault, and it's going to the local goverment so then can make our city a better place!!!

paul
I can only agree with pauline more police in uttoxeter would make a change as the council tax bill to pay for them is so much.

adrian smith
I agree with fixed and mobile speed cameras in accident black spots but I do not agree when you see traffic police hanging around corners and parked on double yellow lines as they were on Monday 29th March on Leek road catching people speeding, is this not double standards, they can break the law and park on double yellow lines and yet still prosecute drivers at the same time or are the police still above the law that they enforce.

Driver
Noticed speed humps breaking up at the edges due to buses etc. trying to avoid them at 30 mph. Are the slip roads at Longton 80mph limit ? I thought it was 3o.

Kim
why don't we take a leaf out of germany's book and increase speed limits? Its actually proven to have decreased deaths over there

kyle jones
if speed cameras are not a money makin scheme, why arnt they in places where their are a lot of accidents? and also these mobile units are wrong because we should be aware they are there and were not

pauline
Uttoxeter has no speed camras at all,next to no police in the area = lawless town as far as reckless driving and many fatal accedents .eg. stone road, bramshall road, A50. Stafford road. WHY?

SteveT
Speed DOES NOT KILL – Inappropriate speed kills. So why why why do I drive thru’ Staffordshire and AFTER a section of road with sharp curves, when there is a straight section, there is a speed camera. This is placed not where it is dangerous, but where frustrated drivers may speed up. The cameras are placed in areas where the maximum speeding takes place, not where there is danger. This places the whole public/police relationship in danger – we now see our local policeman as just a money taking – extra tax men working for the revenue. The cameras well placed could have been accepted by the public – the police forces have ruined what could have been a excellent safety measure by greed.

Dave
It is easy not to get caught by a camera just remember where they are and drive under the limit. then do like the kids around here do PUT YOUR FOOT TO THE FLOOR . theres no chance of being caught by the police there aren't any!

4x4
What makes U think that a 4x4 is able to tackle a speed bump quicker than a conventional car? Anyone who knows, knows that they can't! and those that try, will quickly find out how much it will cost to fix.

JSE
Both Knutton And Silverdale Camras are in Newcastle

Chris H
It's not difficult to avoid being caught by a speed camera. You just stick to the speed limit. How difficult is that? As to the people who claim that it's dangerous to be peering at your speedometer rather than looking out: the same, in theory, applies to looking in your rear-view mirror. If you can manage to flick an eye that way regularly you can manage to monitor your speed. Revolutionary thought: why not drive at 27mph rather than 29.5 so that you don't feel you have to keep a constant watch? Speed limits are there for a reason. Human reflexes - those of other drivers, or of pedestrians - can only act so fast. The speed limit does reduce the chances of injury or death. If the speed-kings who've posted earlier were only risking their own deaths, fair enough, no loss, but as long as they may be going down my street and putting me at risk then the more cameras the merrier.

Nick
I think there isn't enough camareas in my area. a school friend died last year as a result of speeding and now there are 3 camareas along that stretch. people had been campaigning for them for years. I think it is all too easy for people to speed and if a camera stops people speeding and reduces the number of people being injured i think they are a good idea.

Sadaf Shahid
personally i fink they are good.bcoz they stop people from going over the limit.they make drivers aware of the dangers of speeding.

Taghi
Speed cameras are essential in accident black spots and busy residential area. I have been using A34 Newcastle to Kidsgrove for the last 10 years and never seen any accidents or many people crossing the roard as it is surrounded by industrial estates. Since last year the speed limit has been reduced to 40 miles and mobile cameras are used frequently.I think this is a money making excercise and nothing to do with public safety. The mobile cameras should be used where there are many accidents and speeding problem to save lives and not in areas without any problem.

Megan
Being stopped by a police officer and warned about your speed is far more effective than a bill arriving weeks after a journey you have by then forgotten making!

ffmitchell
are all those who say we are all criminals when we exceed the speed limit so lilly white themselves ? I don't think so ! I wonder how they can go on their holidays on a jet plane; they fly at over 500 mph, and if anything goes wrong you're all dead, why not insist all planes fly at 50mph max. for 'safety' reasons

Bob Burden
I must agree that you have to watch the speedo especialy on the Weston CoyneyTo Leek run but having said that I do that run 10 times a week and except for the occsional white van or boy racer driving has definitely improved

Jason J
Just a quick question to see what peoples opinion would be?What would be your opinions on the cameras if the revenue were to go to a good cause eg. Cancer research or something like that, instead of the Goverment or local authorities? ;-)

Cameron
What a lot of lame excuses. Take some responsibility people - just drive within the speed limit or is that too difficult?? I'm sure you managed it when you passed your tests. The sure fire way to beat the cameras is to drive within the limits and put them out of business.

jean finn
overmuch time is spent on watching the speedometer that there is a possibility danger to safe driving

D J Clancy
I strongly believe camera's just to make money, why do we have camera's getting drivers on the way out of speed zones say 40 to 60 at Weston A51 this is now a Police State

Dave
section 9 of the Highways(Traffic calming) Regulations 1999 which reads ...no traffic calming work shall be constructed or maintained in a carrigeway so preventing the passage of any vehicle unless the passage of that vehicle is other wise lawfully prohibited.so if the speed bump is too high & damaging your car the council are at fault

Dave
Julie if the speed bump thaat you hit exceeds 75 mm in height it is Ilegal & then becomes a road obstruction & the council are resposible. Barnet council as a result of speed bumps not working are removing them. FACT.

nick
Whilst it may be argued that a small number of cameras do seem to be geared to collect revenue. The vast majority are there for the safety and comfort of all, including most motorists. The most stirking aspect of those motorists that moan most vocally about cameras are; yes you are a criminal for speeding It is quite easy and possible for the most basic driver to observe speed limits by knowing your speed and watching outside your windscreen. Motorists generally do not even think to consider the comfort of non motorists hey just not hitting them is seen as a bonus by some and that's mainly as they may dent the cars bodywork. How many motorists even think that slowing down or stopping is a plausible cause of action when confronted by a situation instead of speeding up and hoping that whatever is in your way moves. 4000 (four thousand) people per year are killed on our roads with many more seroiusly injured. That is more per year than 9/11 and we have helped invade two countries to date for that atrocity. Motorists have a reponsibility to themselves and to others to drive properly and safely and not think that they own the road.

Nath
Julie, the solution to 'bus friendly' bumps is NOT to straddle them in a smaller car, but to put one wheel on each. This way your exhaust system passes over the valley made between the two bumps ;)

Chris Ward
People wouldn't exceed the speed limit if it was reasonable. If most drivers exceed the speed limit, then it is the speed limit which is at fault not the drivers. Those who say we should simply stick to the speed limit would doubtless drive at 5mph if the government told them to.

Gareth
If speed cameras are to stop people getting hurt then why put them on an expressway(no pedestrians)its just a scam to make money! put them on the 30mph zones but not on motorways or expressways!!

Matt
The police and government are relying far too heavily on blaming speed at the major cause of accidents. There are many other factors that cause accidents such as drink/drug driving, lack of concentration, people driving who have not passed a test etc. Speed cameras will not catch these drivers. The answer is to bring back traffic policing in Staffordshire and not rely so heavily on these grey cash machines at the side of the road.

paul j
most of the time I spend looking at the speedometer so I dont speed. Sometimes I have to look up to see where im going. Which do you think is the safer?

jaz
i think that speed cameras are just a wy for the gouverment to make money and also nothing

Bill
If the cameras had the speed limit on them it would make life easier.

Phil
Everybody knows the speed limits but still they choose to speed.. it is by their own choice that they are breaking the law and there really are no excuses. Having said this i am not a fuddy duddy i drive a fairly quick car and yes i do speed i do however take precautions when driving to minimise the risk of being caught... Ie with an origin b2. This is more likely to make you aware of the speed limits and will let you know when a hand held laser is targeting you along with the location of every speed camera in the country! As stated there is no point in making excuses when you get caught you shouldnt of been doing it in the first place! the limits are there for a reason and although the positioning of speed cameras is somewhat questionable and it can be argued that they are there for generating revenue only the fact remains that they are there to enforce the law.. a law which has been arround for MANY years. My advise to you therefore is this.. dont speed.. unless you are confident you can get away with it! buy a origin B2 or road angel anything that will make you aware of upcoming cameras!

Steve
Grand larceny on the roads was stopped 250 years ago. Now it's back with the grey highwaymen in boxes on metal poles. Shame on the police, government and local authorities. Sky high taxes and fines to pay for your very existence yet no delivery, only persecution. You are fast losing public support.

Graham Hart
If these cameras are there to make our roads safer and not just to raise revenue, why have deaths in the county of staffs gone up by 26%(stated in the Express and Star news. I think they are a good thing to have, but lets put them in the right place to do the right job and NOT to raise monies.

Helen Bird
It is disgraceful that an official BBC website should assist criminal behaviour. Speed kills.

Jabez
I agree with Lee. It's wholly unfair for 'first offenders' to get penalty points on their licence - some criminals get comparatively lesser punishments for much more serious offences (community service for stealing a car is just one example)! Here's an idea- fine a speeding motorist for the first and second times they're caught. If they're caught a third time, then it should be time to bring out the penalty points!

Lee
I have no problem with speed reduction partnerships. However, i dispute being made to feel a criminal punished for 4 years of high insurance premiums affecting my car purchase choices. A criminal can pre-meditate a crime and be let off with a no punishment at all, but myself, a fully law abiding citizen be instantly condemed. The mobile units are suppose to be in accidents areas, but this is not the case, now all over the country there are signs which gives the units a lease to hide where ever they please. With the modern capabilities of cars, speeding a few miles over is easy, but similarily the handling and braking abilities are better. I never see these units in residential areas, by parks or schools, why, because the authorities are fully aware of where motorists are easily caught out. My driving style has changed, i find myself watching constantly for the cameras as if there aren't enough signs and distractions on the side of the road. There is also a lot of inconsistency with the limits on roads and when travelling between counties on unfamiliar roads it is very difficult to judge. Also how can one camera catch you instantly, such as a forward facing, but an average speed type allow you to break the limit and then compensate?- inconsistency as always. Not enough has been done by the authorities to provide clarity over this matter. I would be the first to hold my hands up if i was caught, but it aggrivates me that the punishments do not fit the crime. Also, i wonder if these are recorded on national crime statistics, wouldn't look too good in a manifesto. Increase the fine, lose the points.

PAL
The government have a report TRL 548 'Vehicle-activated signs - a large scale evaluation' which states that VAS can reduce accidents by an average of 31%. This is achieved without the need to prosecute motorists. Yet, the only message that is sent out to people is that the speed cameras saves lives and this is doubtful. The only fact is that a great deal of money is generated from the fines from speed camera prosecutions.

Sam
I have today been caugght by a handheld radar gun doing 39 in a 30 zone. I am very angry with myself after 18 years of blemish free driving. I am also very angry that there are never any radar guns on the stretch of 30mph road I live on which is used as a race track every night!! What can I do about it?

pete
you are lucky then Andy as i have to drive 300000 mls per year and just maybe i might drift 2-3 mph over one day then get banned all as i am saying the system is not fair as most the cameras are in places just to make money and even the police are begining to say it . i understand your view but i am intitled to a view of my own. my car / van have the best tyres on , serviced at the proper intervals and very well maintained and both have abs fitted which i had put on my van at my own expense so safety is inportant to me. I would fancy my chances more in front of my car or van at 32 mph than an old banger never been serviced at 30mph , maybe service intervals should be made law then less accidents would happen and we would all be happier .

Jerry
If speed limits were set appropriately then prehaps more people would stick to them. The trend in the last five years seems to be to arbitarily reduce them. The 30mph limit between Festival Park and the A500 is ridiculous and there are a number of other local examples. This breeds contempt even amongst more sensible drivers. I think people have every right to complain about cameras that enforce polically, rather than safety, motivated limits.

Andy (again)
I once accelerated and drove at a pedestrian in North London who had the audacity to cross in front of me despite the crossing lights being in my favour. I didn't hit him, nor did I intend to, but it sure made him run for cover. My passenger, a non driver, had plenty to say about that incident. After I'd given up making pathetic excuses I had to think hard about my approach to driving. Now that I walk to work regularily I can empathise with motorists who do the very same trick on me when I'm trying to cross at a particularily busy set of lights, where there are no pauses for pedestrians. Of course crossing would be easy if drivers didn't consistently run red lights, so they could keep up with the traffic, and presumably get to work or drop the kids off 2 minutes earlier than if they'd stopped, if they're lucky! Whats this got to do with Speed Cameras? We need to reverse our speedway "I own the road" driving mentality. If you need to drive like that for kicks take up speedway driving, but not on public roads. Drivers have it good, motoring is a game with rules, and if you can't stick to the rules you end up with things like speed cameras. So lets cut the whingeing, you get caught - you cough up, then you start to grow up and take responsibilty for your actions. It's not like they're taking our children off us or outlawing home ownership! It's not like they're changing the rules - just trying to enforce them! Incidentally, who are THEY? County Council Highways departments administer speed cameras with the aid of the magistracy, NOT the Police. I should know, I've been caught out once. Why was I driving so fast? Because I ain't perfect (excuses I have many - none worthy of an adult)- but it won't be happening again "in a hurry"!

Andy
Thanks Pete but I've got a life already and I'd rather keep it that way. Bend the rules about speeding and why stop there? My life doesn't revolve around my car, it just happens that a car is convenient to get from A to B, thats all. The fact that motoring becomes increasingly like a battle of wits with everyday that passes is of no concern to the majority I suppose?

Paul
I think that alot of speed cameras on our roads are actually MORE dangerous than roads without them. There is a camera just outside my mums house, she has lived there a long time and can never remember a serious acciedent, and only one minor accident in many years. Since the camera's introduction there has been several minor bumps and a major one. The reason, people braking hard when they see the camera, (think pheonix nights and you get the picture)

Andrew
Just a thought as to why cameras do not get installed at the school gates. Generally drivers do tend to take extra care outside of schools and it is only the reckless few who exceed the limit. Putting cameras outside the school gates would cause even the few to slow down and keep our children safe – local government and Police choose to make money however.

Carl H
pity that it doesnt snow everyday, then if you do speed, you'll crash and you'll be the one ending up being stupid. I'm 16, so no comment about age, but its your own daft fault if you get caught. unless the camera is lying!

Tony Brassington
If everyone sounded there horn day or night as they passed a camera all the local residents would be begging to have them removed. Cash points for police use is all they are !

patrick
i say more on the a51...their rnt quite enough yet to be able to use them to light your way!....of course they are their to make cash...see the fact that the most dangerous roads have less cameras..if they were about safety they would be on the most dangerous roads...bit of a joke when you can get done for not having insurance andd get £200 fine paid at £10 per FORTNIGHT...(this makes you 9 times more likely to be in an accident and they dont do anything about THAT)

Colin Clifford
What really annoys me about all this is that roads that were deemed safe to have a 50 or 40 mph limit are now being reclassified 10 mph lower and, lo and behold, a a speed camera appears! We are being fleeced because we are the only truly law abiding people in the country, we're a soft touch. If I stole a car or didn't bother taxing it I'd be laughing at the cameras. Our "offences" are not premeditated to cause harm or loss to anyone, it is unjust and the police and this government will reap the backlash from a large majority of the public who are fed up of being targetted because they are harmless.

Peter Hill
This list is out of date and useless. There are at least 4 sites on the A511 between Burton and Tutbury that are not shown.

Daniel
I strongly agree that there should be speed cameras but is the government just putting them up for more money?

pete
get a life andy not all drivers are idiots and 2-3 mph over the limit aint mad driving

Tracy
Speed cameras are nothing more that legalised mugging by the authorities. Have a look at the Association of British Drivers web site abd.org.uk which is full of fascinating facts and figures, and if you feel strongly enough about the way this Government treats the British motorist - JOIN THEM

Andy
More speed cameras hidden from view and preferably in every street, should be the aim of every local authority. Only then might there be some sensible motoring in this speed obsessed country. Speed does kill, it's a statistically proven fact. It also ruins the quality of life for all of us in towns and countryside alike. No one wants to live on the central reservation of the M6 but many thoughtless motorists seem to think that they should be able to do exactly as they like in their vehicles without any consideration for other road users. This includes speeding past schools, tailgating, jumping red lights and generally intimidating anybody who gets in their way. Only hidden cameras with progressive penalties in the form of points and fines will make the thoughtless majority of motorists take responsibility for their actions.

Andy Fitz
I have just found a very ingenious way of over bettering speed cameras. You can also better any radar or laser device used by the police. With my fool proof plan you can avoid court costs and points and other endorsements. With my fool proof plan YOU will have the last laugh, you will become superior to the police office brandishing his laser equiptment. the answer.......DONT SPEED...EVER!!!!

lorraine
can a gatso camera get you going towards it? or does it have to get you from behind?

m
yes true

Andy
As from my previous comments I do say Speed Cameras are cash generators hbut who is really cashing in on Fines and the Points system, its the insurance companys I say

Martin
I have been told by a very reliable source that the radar guns used by the police need to have calibration certificates and if you asked them to be produced they should be. If they do not produce one, you could argue that the gun is not calibrated correctley and that it showed the wrong speed

Les
Sorry to expand on this, but whingeing about cameras wont even get one removed period. What will force a change is writing to your local MP and reminding him you are a voter. and if I may, Can I appeal to all those who may do so, not to use the M6 Toll Rd? You are just creating the thing end of the wedge...THIS goverment will use it as an example to extend tolls to every other main route, and when they do? how can you drive elsewhere to avoid them? as soon as your new chosen route gets busy, it will apply there too. As if they dont tax us enough.

Les
I know one thing, as Speed cameras are just another way of raising cash for this Government, there are 4 voters in my house that last time voted Labour, next election they will be used to most effect so as to ensure our useless MP for Tamworth a certain Mr Jenkins, is hopefully voted out.

Jason J
I think everyone is aware of the income these speed cameras generate and most of us agree that these cameras should only be placed in accident black spots, but what can be done? In most circumstances it is the local authority that benefits from the revenue not the Police service! If this is the case for Stoke on Trent, then no wonder we have them in in-appropriate places! Basically though, speed limits are the law and if you break it then you get punished. As for a previous comment of GATSO cameras not having hi viz on the front of the camera, they do protect both lanes of the carriageways, but only in the direction of the camera (used for motorists on the opposite side of the carriageway, i.e. overtaking) not in the other direction. There is a great site on the Internet, the address is www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk. If we all keep to the speed limits, the cameras will become very expensive to finance with little or no revenue being pulled in. Then we might see a few of them disappearing. There is a very interesting article on the above web site detailing that there are so many motorists being caught, and that it is costing so much money to process the fines and points system that many are getting away with the offence and never even receiving a speeding ticket.

Rob Hales
As a frequent traveller on the roads around Staffordshire the threat of speed camera invasion into my journey gets an almost inevitability. I completely agree with the principle of speed detection when applied to a safety basis but I find it highly unlikely that the amount of cameras truly justifies the need for caution and safety awareness in those areas.

Andy
Gasp with disgust but I recently got caught with one of those Radar Guns. My Guilt was exceeding a 50 MPH Road by 31 MPH a total of 81 MPH. It may sound bad but the road is in Somerset and is the same proportion and style to the M6. I was lucky, having going to court in Taunton I was not given points but only a 14 day disqualification period and costs and fine of £105. this is how it should be, i now realise my offence, as this is not normally my kind of driving activity, and will not speed like this again. I totally aggree with the fact Fixed Cameras are there to make money, they are, they Police are creaming it in for the wrong reasons. lets see the police out catching the Driver with No MOT, No Insurance and No Licence or Tax. mind you those people get off better with fines etc when they do drive without thses than a speeder..Wrong I say. Plus the latest is when you do approach a GATSO, Fixed Camera, and break as we mostly do, you can be done for dangerous driving.MMM What next Fines for driving whilst under the influence of driving.

John Barnes
The one and only subject to get up every ones nose. If they were placed out side schoools at half past three on school days, every one would agree with them, but the're not. They are being placed on major trunk roads and any where else where they think they can generate as much income as possible. Put some human comman scense back into policing and you never know you might just catch some real criminals that have no tax, insurance or even licence ! This subject realy does get other wise law abiding members of the public to dis-like and dis-trust the police.

Glenn Kirkham
This is just a ruse to take money, appear to be controlling speeding, but really just taking manpower off the road that no longer can detect 'dangerous' driving.

Jay
I've driven past many schools and have yet to see ONE speed camera outside a school,,, cash generators? surely not.

Pete
If speeding is so bad then why once caught speeding are we allowed to continue the journey at the same speed if an accident happens after been caught on camera then the police should be held acountable for failing to stop an accident

James
I have found a mobile camera van which hides behind bushes and operates only in the dark - now if that is now trying to make money then I dont know what is - surely they are not allowed to do that ?

PETER BURGESS
we keep being told how important police mobile speed cameras are and yet one of there vans was out of action for along time due to the crew taking a long break at Safeway in Leek when they should be on duty , they drove miles out of there way to get to Leek and on there way even had the cheek to drive through Wetly rocks breaking the speed limit , milking a good job i would say not realy botherd about road saftey at all .

Chris
No more cameras until the money is used to hire more traffic cops - back to intelligent enforcement of road safety please, not the lazy, easy option

Chris
Colin: the email you have received is one of the great urban myth emails - the signs on the M6 DO NOT contain speed cameras. The Staffodrshire partnership would be required to post on the web if this were true. The only time SPECS has been used on the M6 was when several were attached to gantries near the Thelwell Viaduct while long term works were in place.

Rob
As someone who was born in the area, and a frequent from N. America, the use of speed bumps and cameras in North Staffordshire has got out of control. With prudent use, they can achieve the desired results. However, along with all the other road signs, they have become nothing more than an eyesore and have stopped having the desired effect. I believe that like most experienced drivers "familiarity breeds content". Since many of the accidents are caused by younger and less experienced drivers, I believe the solution lies in better driver training and a staged licensing system.

Eddie Stobbart
Safety cameras are deployed for the sole purpose of improving road safety. They are used only where there is a history of road traffic accidents which have resulted in injury or loss of life. The aim of the cameras is to deter inappropriate speed and improve driver behaviour.

Colin Pearson
I have reenetly had what looks like a spam email BUT it may be genuine. Can anyone comment? The new electronic signs on the M6 were switched on this Tuesday. The bad news is that they are rigged with the SPECS speed cameras. This probably applies to all the new signs being installed on the M62, M60 and M56. SPECS is a computer-camera based system. As you go past the sign a digital camera reads your number plate. When you go past the next sign your number plate is read again. The computer 'knows' how far apart the signs are so it can work out your average speed between the two, or three or four. The system is fully automatic and will issue a ticket without any form of humani ntervention. It does this for every single vehicle that passes. You will not know you have been caught as the cameras don't flash. They work 24/7, 365 days a year, and theoretically, there's absolutely no limit on the number of tickets that the system can issue. The whole section of the M6 between Knutsford and Preston is wired, both ways. The system is set to trigger a ticket at 78MPH. (Don't take this as a guarantee) Radar detectors will be of no use as SPECS is entirely passive; there is no laser beam to detect. Be warned and spread the news! - - - - - - - - - - - I thought this might be another of these urban myths, because: 1 There is no mention of them by Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, who list all static and mobile cameras in the county. 2 The latest legislation requires flourescent markings and speed limit signs within a certain distance - neither of which are in place at present. HOWEVER I've read about SPECS on the web and it is an actual speed camera system What is the truth ???