Speed Cameras
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: wilts
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guess it will be like this morning, only a bit slower. Oh and I would just like to say a big "go out and learn to drive properly & safely" to the total ar$e in the post office van who thought it was a good idea to tailgate me in the nice wet conditions this morning. He's going to be OK though as speed cameras don't pick up on idiots driving like that.
I say get more coppers in marked cars on the roads as they can apply common sense and pull ar$eholes who endanger others with unsafe driving.
I say get more coppers in marked cars on the roads as they can apply common sense and pull ar$eholes who endanger others with unsafe driving.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: where should i be today????
Age: 57
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Saturday 30 April at 10.00 am, a protest drive will take place along the M4 between Membury Services (just past the Hungerford junction 14) and junction 17 (Chippenham).
Potential conversation between Mr B Liar and Charles Clarke:
'Quick, lets recall parliament and pass a quick bill to put minimum speed limits on the M4. I can see another quick money-earning opportunity here.'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Saturday 30 April at 10.00 am, a protest drive will take place along the M4 between Membury Services (just past the Hungerford junction 14) and junction 17 (Chippenham).
Potential conversation between Mr B Liar and Charles Clarke:
'Quick, lets recall parliament and pass a quick bill to put minimum speed limits on the M4. I can see another quick money-earning opportunity here.'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Speed Cameras!
Just picked up again as I have been away.
SO! We all agree to the "Raise the speed limit's on motorways/More cameras in built up areas/Parents chain up your children/More coppers to differentiate between good and bad drivers/Cameras just raise money for Blair and Brown" etc. Fine, we are more or less in agreement, however...........
1995, Winter, A1, Sunday night @2135 (ish) conditions a bit iffy (wet, cold etc) I am in my little 1.3 Mazda driving fairly sensibly due to age of car, size of engine, wet conditions. As I am passing a clapped out Mini, suddenly in my rear view there is a set of flashing head lights of the "Get out of my F**king way you pleb" I pull over and a (Dark Blue/Black) Astra goes by me at a great rate of knots. I didn't have a speed camera with me so I can't say exactly how fast, however he had not been behind me when I signalled to overtake. Several miles up the road I see a blue light flashing, slow down, move to the side of the road and there, embedded into the back wheels of an artic (which was crossing the southbound to get on the northbound lane) is the remains of the Astra. So no worries, he didn't kill a child, or trash a sports car, or get a fine and points, but he did kill himself, stop traffic, cause an investigation, probably put a lorry driver into counselling and tie up those coppers who could have been investigating real crimes! Bottom line gents, if you don't give a "fork" about other road users, at least be selfish and give a "fork" about yourself, that includes our super heros of the FJ world who are so much better than the people who dress them, fasten them in, service the jet, get them their kit, pick them up when they crash, fix them when they are broken, defend them on the ground and generally just feel so priveliged that these knights of the air deem to notice us! (enough sarcasm in that?)
SO! We all agree to the "Raise the speed limit's on motorways/More cameras in built up areas/Parents chain up your children/More coppers to differentiate between good and bad drivers/Cameras just raise money for Blair and Brown" etc. Fine, we are more or less in agreement, however...........
1995, Winter, A1, Sunday night @2135 (ish) conditions a bit iffy (wet, cold etc) I am in my little 1.3 Mazda driving fairly sensibly due to age of car, size of engine, wet conditions. As I am passing a clapped out Mini, suddenly in my rear view there is a set of flashing head lights of the "Get out of my F**king way you pleb" I pull over and a (Dark Blue/Black) Astra goes by me at a great rate of knots. I didn't have a speed camera with me so I can't say exactly how fast, however he had not been behind me when I signalled to overtake. Several miles up the road I see a blue light flashing, slow down, move to the side of the road and there, embedded into the back wheels of an artic (which was crossing the southbound to get on the northbound lane) is the remains of the Astra. So no worries, he didn't kill a child, or trash a sports car, or get a fine and points, but he did kill himself, stop traffic, cause an investigation, probably put a lorry driver into counselling and tie up those coppers who could have been investigating real crimes! Bottom line gents, if you don't give a "fork" about other road users, at least be selfish and give a "fork" about yourself, that includes our super heros of the FJ world who are so much better than the people who dress them, fasten them in, service the jet, get them their kit, pick them up when they crash, fix them when they are broken, defend them on the ground and generally just feel so priveliged that these knights of the air deem to notice us! (enough sarcasm in that?)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh dear, another bashing of FJ pilots....Give it a rest fellas. What have they got to do with the issue anyway? Do you really think a speed camera would have stopped that astra-mangling fool?! There are speed cameras all over the A1 already so obviously not.
As has been said time and time before, speed cameras do not and will not solve this problem, they are a needless method of raising revenue and bumping up solved 'crimes' stats.
Still, if more people get points and end up banned, or priced off the road by their insurance company, or dead by their own stupidity, then that leaves more roadspace for us immortals.
As has been said time and time before, speed cameras do not and will not solve this problem, they are a needless method of raising revenue and bumping up solved 'crimes' stats.
Still, if more people get points and end up banned, or priced off the road by their insurance company, or dead by their own stupidity, then that leaves more roadspace for us immortals.
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: LHR
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Observant and considerate drivers do not have a problem with speed cameras, do not need to see them, or know where they are located. I cannot understand what all the fuss is about.
Because speed cameras have been used to justify a reduction in traffic patrols and are seen as a panacea.
However, speed cameras cannot detect drunk driving, illegal mobile phone use, tailgating, "I'm sorry I didn't see you mate" near misses (often hits!) for us motorcyclists. They can't stop dodgy looking cars on a hunch and discover all sorts of other criminal activity. They are unable to decide when to book people and when to give a harsh word instead. They can't detect the person who drives uninsured because the fine for this is cheaper than paying insurance premiums.
The implication behind speed cameras seems to be "oh well, they're all going to have accidents anyway, so let's make them happen more slowly" which is an admission of defeat on road safety.
Mark.
Because speed cameras have been used to justify a reduction in traffic patrols and are seen as a panacea.
However, speed cameras cannot detect drunk driving, illegal mobile phone use, tailgating, "I'm sorry I didn't see you mate" near misses (often hits!) for us motorcyclists. They can't stop dodgy looking cars on a hunch and discover all sorts of other criminal activity. They are unable to decide when to book people and when to give a harsh word instead. They can't detect the person who drives uninsured because the fine for this is cheaper than paying insurance premiums.
The implication behind speed cameras seems to be "oh well, they're all going to have accidents anyway, so let's make them happen more slowly" which is an admission of defeat on road safety.
Mark.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have an answer to those who dislike speed cameras- register your car in another EU country (perhaps your spanish hacienda that decades of flying pay has produced?...):
http://www.roadsafety.org.uk/informa...icle_256.shtml
...and I bet your insurance is cheaper too. Did you know that the UK is just about the only country in the EU where cover does not mandatorily and without time limit extend to covering the whole of the EU? Most UK companies get a little extra out of you if you have to be abroad for more than 14 days and many will do 30 days as a maximum. On the continent, our smelly-cheese eating brethren have lower insurance costs, automatic any driver cover and EU wide cover. More evidence of rip-off Britain.
http://www.roadsafety.org.uk/informa...icle_256.shtml
...and I bet your insurance is cheaper too. Did you know that the UK is just about the only country in the EU where cover does not mandatorily and without time limit extend to covering the whole of the EU? Most UK companies get a little extra out of you if you have to be abroad for more than 14 days and many will do 30 days as a maximum. On the continent, our smelly-cheese eating brethren have lower insurance costs, automatic any driver cover and EU wide cover. More evidence of rip-off Britain.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Speed Cameras
I would like to apologise to all for my sideswipe at FJP a few posts ago. The following proves it's not always their fault!
True story. 270405 1710(ish) hrs. I am travelling from a large RAF station in Lincs to my home some 25 miles away. Waiting at the B1202/A15 crossroads for a gap to cross I see coming from the Lincoln direction a blue P reg BMW. The driver (dressed in a flying suit with officer rank tabs) does a very nice left hand turn using only his left hand, due to the fact his right hand had a mobile phone clamped to his ear! He then drove for around 5 miles, still with the phone at his ear at around 60 to 65 MPH, still talking and probably changing gear (that left hand was busy). The B1202 for those who don't use it is a typical Lincolnshire B road, steep camber, damaged edges, no kerb, dips you can hide an arctic in, tractors and wildlife appearing in front of you etc.
He actually turned off up a fen road (still talking) whilst driving through a large village beginning with the letter M, I suspect he lives up there so I really can't see what was so important about his call.
Now, I suspect I may get cries of "Aircrew Basher" "If it was that bad why didn't you stop him" type posts coming up, but my point is that this prat, who is supposed to be a grown up, endangered himself and others by flouting one of the few recent laws that makes sense. The BMW and the fact he is aircrew was just a bonus for me!
Seems obvious he serves at the large RAF unit near Lincoln, so if anyone recognises him (dark haired bloke) Then chastise the eejit at every opportunity!
Oh yes, he probably isn't an FJP.
True story. 270405 1710(ish) hrs. I am travelling from a large RAF station in Lincs to my home some 25 miles away. Waiting at the B1202/A15 crossroads for a gap to cross I see coming from the Lincoln direction a blue P reg BMW. The driver (dressed in a flying suit with officer rank tabs) does a very nice left hand turn using only his left hand, due to the fact his right hand had a mobile phone clamped to his ear! He then drove for around 5 miles, still with the phone at his ear at around 60 to 65 MPH, still talking and probably changing gear (that left hand was busy). The B1202 for those who don't use it is a typical Lincolnshire B road, steep camber, damaged edges, no kerb, dips you can hide an arctic in, tractors and wildlife appearing in front of you etc.
He actually turned off up a fen road (still talking) whilst driving through a large village beginning with the letter M, I suspect he lives up there so I really can't see what was so important about his call.
Now, I suspect I may get cries of "Aircrew Basher" "If it was that bad why didn't you stop him" type posts coming up, but my point is that this prat, who is supposed to be a grown up, endangered himself and others by flouting one of the few recent laws that makes sense. The BMW and the fact he is aircrew was just a bonus for me!
Seems obvious he serves at the large RAF unit near Lincoln, so if anyone recognises him (dark haired bloke) Then chastise the eejit at every opportunity!
Oh yes, he probably isn't an FJP.
All very believable but for one thing.......
A P registered BMW? No self-respecting officer aircrew would be seen in such an ancient old banger.
Seriously, he need his ar$e kicked. Proper hands-free kits are only a couple of hundred quid including installation - there is no excuse for ignoring the law and rabbitting away on a spiv phone in such a manner.
I spotted a git driving the car behind me with one hand occupied by a spiv phone and the other clutching a cigarette. So, at every junction I slowed right down rather than just giving way, then watched the juggling act in my mirror as he had to change gear......
A P registered BMW? No self-respecting officer aircrew would be seen in such an ancient old banger.
Seriously, he need his ar$e kicked. Proper hands-free kits are only a couple of hundred quid including installation - there is no excuse for ignoring the law and rabbitting away on a spiv phone in such a manner.
I spotted a git driving the car behind me with one hand occupied by a spiv phone and the other clutching a cigarette. So, at every junction I slowed right down rather than just giving way, then watched the juggling act in my mirror as he had to change gear......
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Somerset
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just one to think about....
Have just been caught in one of the MoDs finest Ford Galaxy Pool Cars doing 83mph on the A303 (dual carriageway, sunny, no other car in sight) I had accepted my fine and points and am now driving slower.
What drives me up the wall was speaking to someone who (also in a pool car) had been stopped twice on the same journey on the A38 in Devon by marked cars doing 107mph and 93mph.
Result?
"You should watch your speed more carefully Sir"
No points, no fine.
This does not fit in with the Government/Police theory on speed. No leeway with cameras - why with policeman?
And in addition there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
Threaders.
Have just been caught in one of the MoDs finest Ford Galaxy Pool Cars doing 83mph on the A303 (dual carriageway, sunny, no other car in sight) I had accepted my fine and points and am now driving slower.
What drives me up the wall was speaking to someone who (also in a pool car) had been stopped twice on the same journey on the A38 in Devon by marked cars doing 107mph and 93mph.
Result?
"You should watch your speed more carefully Sir"
No points, no fine.
This does not fit in with the Government/Police theory on speed. No leeway with cameras - why with policeman?
And in addition there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
Threaders.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: wilts
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you saw some of the vehicular contraptions, of many years age, that some of the master race drive through the gate at Lyneham you would be disgusted. Then again it could be the 'K' crews getting the feel of vintage machinery before they go off flying.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Up there somewhere
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mobiles...
In ref to stax post on the page before:
What is so bad about driving while using a mobile?
Ok, It is illegal now, but then why isn't smoking while driving? Or drinking or fiddling with the radio?
People have mentioned speeding and dangerous driving in the same sentence - what is wrong with doing 80 along the motorway? It's speeding but it's not dangerous. The people I wish were off the roads are those who feel that in order to pass you on the motorway, they must undertake and tail gate you until you move; people who are so selfish that they drink drive or drug-drive. Elderly who havent a clue and are so engrossed in their own conversation they don't seem to be aware of what is going on around them. And chavved up boy racers who feel they own they own the roads and generally fill the above descriptions (minus the elderly).
Also, for those in the bath/bristol area watch out for coppers using motorbikes stuck in hedges with no sign and a radar gun on top.
What is so bad about driving while using a mobile?
Ok, It is illegal now, but then why isn't smoking while driving? Or drinking or fiddling with the radio?
People have mentioned speeding and dangerous driving in the same sentence - what is wrong with doing 80 along the motorway? It's speeding but it's not dangerous. The people I wish were off the roads are those who feel that in order to pass you on the motorway, they must undertake and tail gate you until you move; people who are so selfish that they drink drive or drug-drive. Elderly who havent a clue and are so engrossed in their own conversation they don't seem to be aware of what is going on around them. And chavved up boy racers who feel they own they own the roads and generally fill the above descriptions (minus the elderly).
Also, for those in the bath/bristol area watch out for coppers using motorbikes stuck in hedges with no sign and a radar gun on top.
Fat Albert
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wilts, UK
Age: 63
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flik roll
Eating and drinking whilst driving is illegal as highlighted in several recent court cases. I believe the basic fine is generally £20
However, a bite of an apple or a sip of a drink then returning both hands to the wheel may take several seconds. Similarly with smokers and changing the radio station.
People who use mobile phones are distracted for long periods and generally steer and change gear whilst they have one hand stuck to their ear and are generally concentrating on the call and not the road.
Anyone who uses a mobile whilst driving is a danger to other road users and should recieve a hefty fine and a ban.
I am a motorist, a cyclist and a runner and have had too many close calls with these idiots for comfort.
Consideration for other road users is seriously lacking in this country.
Incidentally I used the "Well Driven" service to complain about a Tesco lorry on the M4 last week and received a very apologetic letter from the Tesco transport manager. The service works and if it potentially stops some idiot lorry drivers tailgating and cutting people up then maybe we should make more use of it.
However, a bite of an apple or a sip of a drink then returning both hands to the wheel may take several seconds. Similarly with smokers and changing the radio station.
People who use mobile phones are distracted for long periods and generally steer and change gear whilst they have one hand stuck to their ear and are generally concentrating on the call and not the road.
Anyone who uses a mobile whilst driving is a danger to other road users and should recieve a hefty fine and a ban.
I am a motorist, a cyclist and a runner and have had too many close calls with these idiots for comfort.
Consideration for other road users is seriously lacking in this country.
Incidentally I used the "Well Driven" service to complain about a Tesco lorry on the M4 last week and received a very apologetic letter from the Tesco transport manager. The service works and if it potentially stops some idiot lorry drivers tailgating and cutting people up then maybe we should make more use of it.
The policeman who was nicked for 159 on the M54 has been found not guilty (my post 20th Apr). Apparently the bench had a large degree of sympathy with his justification of testing the capabilities of a new car. After slagging-off the West Mercia police service, Judge Morgan went on to say "I have great admiration and respect for those officers who drive at those breathtaking speeds..."
Who's going to be first to use this as a precedent?
Edited to add that I have only just noticed the thread on Jet Blast
Who's going to be first to use this as a precedent?
Edited to add that I have only just noticed the thread on Jet Blast
Last edited by Canary Boy; 18th May 2005 at 23:28.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
And the same logic must go to low flying helicopters. Only thing is, they don't go as low or as fast
Technicality gets Norfolk motorist off...follow link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/4565321.stm[/URL]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/4565321.stm[/URL]