Police Tackle Dangerous Driving On Country Roads

[StrikE]

Please be careful folks:

Police forces across Scotland are carrying out a crackdown on dangerous driving and speeding on rural roads.

Police speed check

The campaign coincides with this weekend's North West 200 race in Northern Ireland.

Thousands of motorcyclists are expected on the roads of south west Scotland as they travel to and from the ferry port at Stranraer.

I am sure it's all to do with road safety & nothing whatsoever to do with £££ revenue.

As if we done pay enough!

Maybe they should target garden centre grandads that forget how to drive past 25 mph after leaving the bloody places forcing normal motorists to overtake dangerously through frustration

[gbsti]

Me thinks we will take our time getting to time attack on Sunday? Ehh:((

[notsosmall]

Good shout mate

Heard about this on the radio earlier today

[mystery machine]

I wouldn't mind so much if I could believe that this campaign was targeted at blind overtaking, tailgating and drink-driving...

... but if 'breaking the speed limit on the open road' is the focus, as I suspect it will be, then it amounts to no more that an unashamed affront on the last bastion of motoring freedom in our once-tolerable nation.

[thefastone]

Good Shout Del Boy!

[rig-pig]

there is always a few cops around knockhill after an event prob even more now

[BalliSTIc]

Hope it doesn't have anything with a certain group of scoobs tearing up the Highlands of late

[Midnight21]

Please be careful folks:

Police forces across Scotland are carrying out a crackdown on dangerous driving and speeding on rural roads.

Police speed check

I am sure it's all to do with road safety & nothing whatsoever to do with £££ revenue.

As if we done pay enough!

Maybe they should target garden centre grandads that forget how to drive past 25 mph after leaving the bloody places forcing normal motorists to overtake dangerously through frustration

Well maybe they should sit at the bottom of the hill I live on and catch all the speeders that use the road here...... 3 deer killed lately ...one at my gates and 2 cars on their roofs are just the latest on the "country road" here

Never saw one police car at any of these!

(oops rant over now)

[scooby doom]

This is just one part of much wider and existing campaign aimed mainly at motorcycles. It would apear that (in our area anyhoo) that while they make up 2% of the motoring population they accounted for 26% of fatalities here last year. Regardless of personal opinion of scamera vans and the like I would imagine most motorists would prefer to at least reach their desination and any attempt to reduce deaths can't be all bad. That said anyone not driving like a tw4t shouldn't even notice this 'crackdown'

[StrikE]

This is just one part of much wider and existing campaign aimed mainly at motorcycles. It would apear that (in our area anyhoo) that while they make up 2% of the motoring population they accounted for 26% of fatalities here last year. Regardless of personal opinion of scamera vans and the like I would imagine most motorists would prefer to at least reach their desination and any attempt to reduce deaths can't be all bad. That said anyone not driving like a tw4t shouldn't even notice this 'crackdown'

Oh i agree, i would rather reach my destination safely 100% every time.

I don't believe camera vans make a bit of difference unless your sitting on 9 points already, i prefer the little digital signs at the start of most town/villages showing your speed, smile if you are under 30/40 speed.

A friendly warning is far superior than a sp30

As always be safe first

[scoobaroo]

Please be careful folks:

Police forces across Scotland are carrying out a crackdown on dangerous driving and speeding on rural roads.

Police speed check

I am sure it's all to do with road safety & nothing whatsoever to do with £££ revenue.

As if we done pay enough!

Maybe they should target garden centre grandads that forget how to drive past 25 mph after leaving the bloody places forcing normal motorists to overtake dangerously through frustration

Far too slow and sensible for them to bother me lol

[thefastone]

I hate these target campaigns, because they are focusing on one thing, and that's topping up the bank fund... because lets face it, there's no money to be made from taking the slow and unaware dangerous drivers off the road...

Every day recently that I've been out, I've been affected on the roads by some idiot. Some idiot that have seemingly bought a lucky bag, and got lucky with a licence...

Yet cameras do nothing about these drivers.

They dont stop me from getting cut-up on the dual carriageway. They do nothing about the driver that will not drive according to the conditions. They don't stop me from being stuck behind traffic that are hogging the wrong lane at 10mph below the limit, just not fast enough to overtake the car in the other lane, because they are turning off in 10 miles. They don't stop me from being stuck behind the Muppet that doesn't acknowledge that passing places mean pulling in when you have to. They don't stop that driver from nearly having an accident because that other car wasn't indicating, presumably because when the driver of the other car first got on the road, Model-T's didn't have them...

Speed is only a factor, and sometimes its not. but I'm pretty certain that ditching the cameras and having more police on the roads will make a better place...

[scoobaroo]

I hate these target campaigns, because they are focusing on one thing, and that's topping up the bank fund... because lets face it, there's no money to be made from taking the slow and unaware dangerous drivers off the road...

Every day recently that I've been out, I've been affected on the roads by some idiot. Some idiot that have seemingly bought a lucky bag, and got lucky with a licence...

Yet cameras do nothing about these drivers.

They dont stop me from getting cut-up on the dual carriageway. They do nothing about the driver that will not drive according to the conditions. They don't stop me from being stuck behind traffic that are hogging the wrong lane at 10mph below the limit, just not fast enough to overtake the car in the other lane, because they are turning off in 10 miles. They don't stop me from being stuck behind the Muppet that doesn't acknowledge that passing places mean pulling in when you have to. They don't stop that driver from nearly having an accident because that other car wasn't indicating, presumably because when the driver of the other car first got on the road, Model-T's didn't have them...

Speed is only a factor, and sometimes its not. but I'm pretty certain that ditching the cameras and having more police on the roads will make a better place...

Just smile and say CHEESE as u trundle by Dale

[thefastone]

hehe Yeah...

[scooby doom]

I hate these target campaigns, because they are focusing on one thing, and that's topping up the bank fund... because lets face it, there's no money to be made from taking the slow and unaware dangerous drivers off the road...

Every day recently that I've been out, I've been affected on the roads by some idiot. Some idiot that have seemingly bought a lucky bag, and got lucky with a licence...

Yet cameras do nothing about these drivers.

They dont stop me from getting cut-up on the dual carriageway. They do nothing about the driver that will not drive according to the conditions. They don't stop me from being stuck behind traffic that are hogging the wrong lane at 10mph below the limit, just not fast enough to overtake the car in the other lane, because they are turning off in 10 miles. They don't stop me from being stuck behind the Muppet that doesn't acknowledge that passing places mean pulling in when you have to. They don't stop that driver from nearly having an accident because that other car wasn't indicating, presumably because when the driver of the other car first got on the road, Model-T's didn't have them...

Speed is only a factor, and sometimes its not. but I'm pretty certain that ditching the cameras and having more police on the roads will make a better place...

Been a while since I've had that hat on but suppose if it fits - bring on the rant

You have a point Dale about all the idiots out there and speeding only being a factor and of course I agree with that. However, while some speeding may be only a factor it does tend to be the overriding one on most occasions hence it is prioritised. Additionally, all our work is targeted to some degree these days and if you're in the Tragic, sorry Traffic (can't get used to this 'Roads Policing' things yet) then obviously your entire work load will be motoring related. This leads to targeting which invariably will focus on casualty reduction as a priority, with fatalities naturally being the highest priority. So where do we find the highest proportion of likely candidates for speeding and causing or being involved in fatal or serious injury accidents. Well, it's not rocket science you look for folk in the Max Power and Barry Boys brigade, folk on faster than light speed bikes and yes, one or too on forums not dissimilar to this. Having selected your target audience you then make a big public song and dance about going to look for them, as in this case in a bid to deter as many as possible, you tell them basically where you're gonna be (as with fixed and most mobile cameras) and see what happens. Imho you then really have to be more of an idiot than the ones you first spoke of to be caught. That said there's a bit of a difference between a wee blast of what we call 'spirited' driving than dangerous, reckless or just those who drive considerably faster than me. So, while I accept most will moan about it all the time, I'd rather someone cut me up and scratched the paint, than hit me at stoopid speed and wiped me out. There'll always be the anti mob with anting like this but a wee bit common sense is often all that's needed. So never mind all this nonsense about collecting then pennies for minor offences as the driving force here, anyone that blatantly condones this sort of thing or believes that nothing should be done to stop it or make the roads safer for the rest of us, I'm sure we'd love to hear you thoughts behind that opinion. Similarly, I'm sure every force in the country will be open to suggestion on how to deal with these issues with out actually doing anything about it that may upset offenders, cos let's face it they're the only ones likely to be on the receiving end of such a campaign. Judging by the lack of posts it would appear that SIDC members managed to pretty much go unnoticed during the target weekend - funny that eh.

Very seldom I chirp up on topics like this these days but hey-ho, anyhoo 'my wings are like a shield of steel' so bring on the flames -

[badbaz]

They do nothing about the driver that will not drive according to the conditions. They don't stop me from being stuck behind traffic that are hogging the wrong lane at 10mph below the limit, just not fast enough to overtake the car in the other lane, because they are turning off in 10 miles. They don't stop me from being stuck behind the Muppet that doesn't acknowledge that passing places mean pulling in when you have to. They don't stop that driver from nearly having an accident because that other car wasn't indicating, presumably because when the driver of the other car first got on the road, Model-T's didn't have them...

I thought you were doing a write up on the Highland Fling there Dale!

It's not speed that's the problem - inappropriate speed is the problem - every driver on the road fits this category.

[scouk]

Very seldom I chirp up on topics like this these days but hey-ho, anyhoo 'my wings are like a shield of steel' so bring on the flames -

Where' me flame thrower (jus' kiddin)

Although I should probably read the rest of this thread in detail first, i think one thing about these statistics regarding speed beign an issue in accidents that although it is a strong factor in many accidents/collisions/incident ( or whatever they seem to call them these days) The majority of accidents are infact within the legal speed limit!!!.. Putting more speed cameras and camera vans on our roads is mostly catching those people who are drivign at 62mph in a 60.. Collecting fines left right and center.. To me this is a little picky, but I will admit rules are rules.

What should be targeted, which I hope is occuring as part of this crackdown is "inappropriate" speed.. Sure 60mph is the limit but there are many bends/crests, road surfaces in the area whereby it's no where near safe to be doing 60mph.. Yet it seems many drivers dont anticipate having to slow down for these hazards and tear round bends and cutting white lines onto the wrong side of the road because they are takign corners too fast... Car drivers are not hte only ones at fault here! I know many bike riders who although ride quickly do adhere to some level of sensibility.. But I have met others on the road taking corners so agressivly that the bike may be on their side of the road but their head is near as dammit inline with the drivers seat of my car because they are leaning so much round the corner.. It's bloody freightening!!!

I don't think the penalties/fines are overall the way to do... better teaching and training is what's required... My personal view is that the basic driver school level of training is not strict enough.. And should be of a higher standard from the word go..

[scouk]

It's not speed that's the problem - inappropriate speed is the problem - every driver on the road fits this category.

D'oh! you pretty much summed up on one line what I just spent the last 10 mins drivelling on about..

[lewisscoob]

I dont see what the big fuss is about. If you speed, you will get caught, if you dont then you are one of the very lucky few and you are on borrowed time.

If you are not prepared to pay the fine, dont do the crime. However petty it may be.

At the same time, I also feel that operations like the one being discussed here are a blatant top up of the bank balance.

As has been said, i think that the wee sign showing your speed and a smiley or sad face is more effective and i'm sure there are statistics out there to back that up. The only problem with that is that the Govt cant make a penny from a sad face. Unless its one of your coupon at the wheel...

[thebigfelly]

I dont see what the big fuss is about. If you speed, you will get caught, if you dont then you are one of the very lucky few and you are on borrowed time.

If you are not prepared to pay the fine, dont do the crime. However petty it may be.

At the same time, I also feel that operations like the one being discussed here are a blatant top up of the bank balance.

As has been said, i think that the wee sign showing your speed and a smiley or sad face is more effective and i'm sure there are statistics out there to back that up. The only problem with that is that the Govt cant make a penny from a sad face. Unless its one of your coupon at the wheel...

used to be on borrowed time but havent sped since getting my subaru , but its been in the workshop for a month nearly now, and cant exactly speed in a 1.0 micra

[thefastone]

Very seldom I chirp up on topics like this these days but hey-ho, anyhoo 'my wings are like a shield of steel' so bring on the flames -

Ha! Nah, No Flames here mate, I understand what your saying, and to an extent I agree... Whilst I've been on the receiving end of the law in previous times, the law is the law, I just dont like the whole Focus thing, when it seems to take away from other offences that are IMHO just as important, but never focused on... I have a great deal of respect for the work you guys do, its just the policies that I don't necessarily agree with, and whilst I don't always have better suggestions, it doesn't mean that I have to agree with the current systems...

It's not speed that's the problem - inappropriate speed is the problem - every driver on the road fits this category.

Couldn't agree more there, and I think that was perhaps the words that I was scrambling for...

D'oh! you pretty much summed up on one line what I just spent the last 10 mins drivelling on about..

Ha! You and me both!!! Although your point about education is one that I've ranted about before and I think that its the best message, Certainly that's going to slow me down far more than a "punishment"

I dont see what the big fuss is about. If you speed, you will get caught, if you dont then you are one of the very lucky few and you are on borrowed time.

If you are not prepared to pay the fine, dont do the crime. However petty it may be.

At the same time, I also feel that operations like the one being discussed here are a blatant top up of the bank balance.

As has been said, i think that the wee sign showing your speed and a smiley or sad face is more effective and i'm sure there are statistics out there to back that up. The only problem with that is that the Govt cant make a penny from a sad face. Unless its one of your coupon at the wheel...

Good Shout, as I said before, I've been done before, a good while in the past, and you know what, the copper that did me was brand new, gave me a talking to (was cool about it) and wrote me a ticket, but it was all about education...

used to be on borrowed time but havent sped since getting my subaru , but its been in the workshop for a month nearly now, and cant exactly speed in a 1.0 micra

I think that putting us all in Micra's may be a little extreme though!!!

[brianm]

That said there's a bit of a difference between a wee blast of what we call 'spirited' driving than dangerous, reckless or just those who drive considerably faster than me.

It's not speed that's the problem - inappropriate speed is the problem - every driver on the road fits this category.

The problem is NOBODY thinks their driving is dangerous, everyone doing less speed than you is safe, anyone doing more is a potential child killing maniac! One persons 'spirited drive' is another persons 'if there was stationary car just out of sight on the next bend you would struggle to stop and therefor dangerous'. When you were 17 did you think some or your driving was dangerous? Looking back do you think the same?

No doubt I drive in some people's opinion dangerously......as will 99% of the population in the eyes of an old codger who drives at 40mph regardless of the speed limit.

I dont believe it's to top up money, look at the cost to society if a car of 15-17year old kids are killed....not just the immediate Emergency Services costs or the economic costs of delaying a few thousand people due to a road closure but their contribution to the economy over their lives...maybe £1.5M each? You only need to stop a couple of these accidents to eclipse the money erned in fines. The entire speeding fine collection per year is significantly LESS than Simon Cowells Income Tax bill.

On the other side, can you imagine the carnage if all fixed and mobile cameras were scrapped?

Edited November 24, 2010 by BrianM

[colin_ross]

On the other side, can you imagine the carnage if all fixed and mobile cameras were scrapped?

Imagine? No need to imagine as we got along quite nicely without them until the 90's.

I for one think they should remove speedos for all cars. bikes etc. I know what speed is safe for the situation I'm in (yes sometimes slower rather than faster) but see peolple traveling at inapropriate speeds all the time, even when they are within the limit. The law should be around quailty of driving but as that is impossible to police without more traffic officers we will never see it.

BTW, you know this thread is 6 months old.

[thefastone]

Holy Thread resurrection Batman!!!!

I have to say though about the speed cameras, that I don't feel that they do any real good at all, except in a VERY VERY few cases, such as in towns, when speeding is inappropriate, but even then, you see the camera, you slow down if you are speeding, you pass the camera, you go back to speeding... OK, so where is the education in that? What exactly do you achieve by making a car slow down for 50 yards?

Gennerally speaking, a lot of speed cameras, taking the Aberdeen - Dundee road as an example, are situated in places that are not accident blackspots, (except that patch of 50) they are generally located in big open stretches of road. and if anything, I think that they were causing more accidents as drivers would see them and suddenly brake! You can imagine what happens next... Whilst I don't know if these accidents happen so often these days, for various reasons, people just give them the wide berth and carry on what they were doing before...

As just said, no need to imagine, it was better before they were introduced, because you would always see the cops on the road EVERY time you traveled on it, and if you were being naughty, then you got a talking to, you were educated... a tin box can't do that...

[brianm]

Holy Thread resurrection Batman!!!!

ok one last point...

I genuinly believe the police are moving in the right direction with speeding though.

Painting cameras bright.....great idea.

Any new cameras i've seen are at junctions where there are accidents...GREAT IDEA, put up a speed camera sign, paint the cameras so everyone sees them and put them at an accident blackspot. It's not about catching you it's about slowing you down.

The use of AVERAGE speed cameras when they were working on a section of the A90 to protect the workforce. There were 'AVERAGE SPEED CAMERAS IN OPERATION' every few meters. Again they are not looking to make £60 from you.

On sections of road where there are accidents (e.g. Kingswells to Westhill in Aberdeen) I would rather see speed camera at the danger point than a blanket reduction in max speed (just went from 70 to 50). All the accidents that have happened there are more than likley due to inappropriate speeding & lack of observation from one driver + at least one other factor from the second car....missjuidging speeds, poor observation or pulling out in front of someone. The lower speed limit does not deter people or slow them down.....a big orange camera certainly would!

Edited November 25, 2010 by BrianM