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me283 · 26-02-2005, 08:34

A couple of years back there was a tragic incident in my locality. In the middle of the town centre an elderly gentlemen stepped in front of a vehicle and was knocked over. It happened at some traffic lights which seconds before had changed to green. The driver was completely exonerated by witnesses and the law. The gentleman died almost instantly. From memory the speed estimated that the vehicle was travelling at no more than 10mph. What does this prove:

1) It's not just speed that kills
2) It's not just bad driving that causes road deaths
3) GATSOs are not a surefir way to prevent accidents
4) SOMETIMES we have to look at the "human error" element of road accidents

Another point: Many years ago a friend was stopped by the Police for speeding after being followed past a pub. The Police officer pointed out that someone could have driven out of the pub after having a few drinks and pulled in front of him, so he should have been more careful! Amazing that the speeder was considered dangerous to the drink driver!

I agree that speeding in many circumstances can be dangerous, and should be handled. I just think that the GATSO approach doesn't resolve it, and serves as a cash cow. Surely it would be better to deal swiftly and harshly with those who break the law with tragic results, than to try and benefit from everyone who transgresses even slightly? As an example, when we hear of banned drivers going to court because of their umpteenth offence, instead of giving them a slap on the wrist, the prospect of an immediate jail term might just make them think twice before stepping into a car in the first place. These are the people who should be targetted, and these are the people least affected by GATSOs.

26-02-2005, 08:34	#135
me283 Inactive Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Back in England, but not for long... Services: Weddings, christenings, barmitzvahs Posts: 3,422	Re: Gatso camera case A couple of years back there was a tragic incident in my locality. In the middle of the town centre an elderly gentlemen stepped in front of a vehicle and was knocked over. It happened at some traffic lights which seconds before had changed to green. The driver was completely exonerated by witnesses and the law. The gentleman died almost instantly. From memory the speed estimated that the vehicle was travelling at no more than 10mph. What does this prove: 1) It's not just speed that kills 2) It's not just bad driving that causes road deaths 3) GATSOs are not a surefir way to prevent accidents 4) SOMETIMES we have to look at the "human error" element of road accidents Another point: Many years ago a friend was stopped by the Police for speeding after being followed past a pub. The Police officer pointed out that someone could have driven out of the pub after having a few drinks and pulled in front of him, so he should have been more careful! Amazing that the speeder was considered dangerous to the drink driver! I agree that speeding in many circumstances can be dangerous, and should be handled. I just think that the GATSO approach doesn't resolve it, and serves as a cash cow. Surely it would be better to deal swiftly and harshly with those who break the law with tragic results, than to try and benefit from everyone who transgresses even slightly? As an example, when we hear of banned drivers going to court because of their umpteenth offence, instead of giving them a slap on the wrist, the prospect of an immediate jail term might just make them think twice before stepping into a car in the first place. These are the people who should be targetted, and these are the people least affected by GATSOs.