Spate of destroying speed cameras in villages

Scougar said:
Speed cameras are money generators and they are sold as such by the companies making them.

Improve driver education rather than put cameras up IMO.
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What’s there to educate?

The rules are pretty clear and everyone knows the consequences. The number on your speedo must be lower than the number in the middle of the red circle on a post on the side of the road.

It literally couldn’t be more simple.

Speed traps are literally bright yellow. Anyone speeding through one should also be done for driving without due care and attention too. They clearly didn’t spot the giant yellow speed trap on the side of the road, what else are they not seeing (E.g. road hazards).
 
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Scougar said:
Improve driver education rather than put cameras up IMO.
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Lack of driver education isn't an excuse*. Almost everyone** behind the wheel has had to take lessons and pass a test to prove they are competent to drive. They already know how they're supposed to drive, they just don't care, whether that's due to laziness, stupidity or just arrogance in believing the rules don't apply to them.



* unless we're talking about make the test harder, and mandatory retests every 10 years, in which case I'm all for it.

** obviously you've got the entitled minority who think even the need to have a licence doesn't apply to them.
 
sovietspybob said:
I know it's meant to save 3 or 4 lives a year across Wales and i don't know how or where you draw the line? why not 15 or 10? surely they'll be even less accidents then?
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As I posted in a similar thread the real world long term evidence is it doesn't save lives, almost everywhere blanket 20 limits have been introduced in the UK sees a drop in deaths in the 1-2 years immediately after, then the studies mysteriously stop being updated once the numbers return to what they used to be (partly due to our roads being ever busier but that isn't the main reason). One interesting feature is the profile of deaths change due to a slight change in road usage i.e. deaths not involving cyclists drops a little but a commensurate increase in deaths involving cyclists.
 
Possibly, possibly not. I could drive to test standards at any time, that doesn’t mean I don’t have bad habits when others are not watching.
 
Half the population in the UK would fail their driving test if they attempted it today (probably). Driving standards have massively gone down hill. I think the lack of police presence makes people feel they can drive how they want with no regard for rules. It's a scary place out there on the roads. A lot of hate, anger, entitlement and selfishness. I see a lot more road rage and aggression. :(
I don't really get the speed thing though. Doing 50mph straight through mini roundabouts without a care in the world just makes me wonder what on earth is going through these people's heads. The airbag at some point no doubt.
 
Scougar said:
Speed cameras are money generators and they are sold as such by the companies making them.

Improve driver education rather than put cameras up IMO.
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You can't educate people to be considerate.

Speeding in residential areas where the locals have campaigned for a speed camera to be installed, is very much a lack of consideration.

I said earlier, many motorists only care about the driving experience. How their driving affects other road users - well, they just don't care. Other road users are a nuisance!

For instance, I've spoken to some very well educated people who hate cyclists with a passion, and wish they were banned from public roads.
 
jaybee said:
Half the population in the UK would fail their driving test if they attempted it today (probably). Driving standards have massively gone down hill. I think the lack of police presence makes people feel they can drive how they want with no regard for rules. It's a scary place out there on the roads. A lot of hate, anger, entitlement and selfishness. I see a lot more road rage and aggression. :(
I don't really get the speed thing though. Doing 50mph straight through mini roundabouts without a care in the world just makes me wonder what on earth is going through these people's heads. The airbag at some point no doubt.
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It feels like that. Not so long ago I was driving around some minor country roads with blind bends and very little vis (typical in Cornwall if you leave the A30...) Some (bloke!) in a black luxury car came up behind me and was literally almost bumper to bumper. I came to a stop at a crossroads, and just as I pull away this chap screams past me revving like hell and beeping his horn. Pretty much starting his overtake on the junction.

I guess my crime was to be a bit cautious on a narrow road with no vis, but this is apparently a heinous crime worthy of being intimidated.

Again, these people can't be trained or taught to drive better. They are who they are. Their driving is a reflection of their personality. I will go out on a limb and guess that there aren't many newly qualified drivers in high-end cars either, so this wasn't an inexperienced driver.
 
b0rn2sk8 said:
I doubt taking a driving test every year would have any impact on people driving with excessive speed.
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I would like to see more stricter bans put in place for drivers that injure or kill people due to driving like morons, fleeing an accident, or under the influence be it drink or drugs, Im talking 5yrs, 10yrs or life depending on how serious. I would also like to see an end to using the financial hardship excuse for over 12 points. It should be an automatic ban, end of story, 12 points would have been enough chances
 
Bear said:
I would like to see more stricter bans put in place for drivers that injure or kill people due to driving like morons, fleeing an accident, or under the influence be it drink or drugs, Im talking 5yrs, 10yrs or life depending on how serious. I would also like to see an end to using the financial hardship excuse for over 12 points. It should be an automatic ban, end of story, 12 points would have been enough chances
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The consequence of getting caught doesn’t have the kind of deterrent effect that most people think it does and the research backs that up.

People that commit willingly, repeatedly and regularly do so because there is no realistic expectation of being caught. Upping the sentences has a limited impact because they don’t think they will be caught.

Edit: autocorrect…
 
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b0rn2sk8 said:
The consequence of getting caught doesn’t have the kind of deterrent effect that most people think it does and the research backs that up.

People that commit willingly, repeatedly and regularly do so because there is no realistic expectation of being caught. Upping the sentences has a limited impact because they don’t think they will be caught.

Edit: autocorrect…
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Im inclined to agree, as mobile usage whilst driving is a clear example of most people not giving a toss as the chances of getting caught are virtually zero. That said, bans are for those that have been caught and some of the ridiculously short bans handed out for killing someone is a joke.

Edit: To clarify, Im not talking about deterrent but appropriate punishment
 
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Worth remembering that Road Traffic Act 1988 powers can only be exercised by “constables in uniform”. Even if you see something while off duty that’s purely traffic related, you can’t do anything beyond have a quiet word.
 
Bear said:
Im inclined to agree, as mobile usage whilst driving is a clear example of most people not giving a toss as the chances of getting caught are virtually zero. That said, bans are for those that have been caught and some of the ridiculously short bans handed out for killing someone is a joke.

Edit: To clarify, Im not talking about deterrent but appropriate punishment
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Quite - if you want to murder someone, do it in a car.

b0rn2sk8 said:
Possibly, possibly not. I could drive to test standards at any time, that doesn’t mean I don’t have bad habits when others are not watching.
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Maybe so, but seeing how most people drive (round here at least), it would surprise me if they were able to meet test standards, or if they even ever have!
 
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Scougar said:
Speed cameras are money generators and they are sold as such by the companies making them.

Improve driver education rather than put cameras up IMO.
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Out of interest what sort of education do you think would help?
 
My wife's folks live in a little village called cheddleton, there's about 7 camera all on one stretch of road going 40-50-30-50-30 and any other random speed. absolutely only put there for money
 
b0rn2sk8 said:
I doubt taking a driving test every year would have any impact on people driving with excessive speed.
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I agree, although do think regular retesting would be beneficial as a refresher of the rules of the road as they do change as well as we all generally forget things as time goes on. Who here remembers to look over their shoulder every time they pull away? Or do you just look in your mirror?
 
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