Just found this document about the reduction in Car Collisions in Wiltshire.

 

Be aware, that Wiltshire has no speed camera's or Safety camera Mobile department.

 

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/road-casualty-joint-report.pdf

 

Havent got a report but I know in Rotherham they took alot of the cameras down, as the number of accidents in areas where they had cameras was around the same as without and in some cases even increased.

They found that people were speeding then trying to slow for the camera, and losing control.

What works better than any speed camera is an unmarked car with rozzers watching, observing and running after offenders for a "word in their shell-like!"   Obviously, serious offenders were reported, but the "marginal" chaps who form the majority of deliberate speeders are given a little talking to about teenagers on a moped, or a child who has kicked his football into the road who might be about to cut in front of you.   "Within the speed limit, you might avoid it but just a few mph faster and - bam!"

I know Thames Valley police used to send coppers who were otherwise "grounded" with minor injuries out in a plain grey/silver colour Vauxhall Astra to sit at notorious accident blackspots (like a really dangerous set of traffic lights in Wokingham) to educate drivers.

 

This is real community policing - not the big brother stuff that motorists resent, but a much more sensible approach!

Edited 12 December, 201411 yr by bealine

The money saved by having fewer Police officers on patrol and the revenue generated from their speed camera/van replacements is enough of a distraction from the actual desire to reduce casualties.

The money saved by having fewer Police officers on patrol and the revenue generated from their speed camera/van replacements is enough of a distraction from the actual desire to reduce casualties.

The police forces and the local authorities tell you they don't get any of the money generated - it (allegedly) all goes back to H M Treasury.   :roll:

Edited 13 December, 201411 yr by bealine

The police forces and the local authorities tell you they don't get any of the money generated - it (allegedly) all goes back to H M Treasury.   :roll:

 

No but they do save by not having patrols out.

Sussex Police have tried a similar tactic to Thames Valley with "Operation Crackdown".   The database compiles reports of bad/inconsiderate driving and, when a pattern emerges, prompts a visit from the friendly boys in blue.   Reports say that with only eight arrests in the three years it has operated, "Operation Crackdown" is a failure.   Is the object to arrest and prosecute though - or is it to try and change bad driving behaviour before something serious happens?

 

To me, cautioning bad drivers makes so much sense - many drivers don't realise their behaviour is aggressive, they are merely copycatting the behaviour they have experienced from others or responding to the stresses of the demands their lives are placing upon them - too much to do, too little time.

 

The police need more friendly faces out and about to make our roads safer - in my book, they are far more effective than any automatic Gatso or Truvelo camera.   Perhaps these sort of roles should be a cushy number for more mature policemen getting close to retirement who have the experience and "nose" to differentiate between the nasty piece of work and the frightened rabbit!

http://www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/ask-us/roads,-driving-and-cycling/how-do-i-report-anti-social-driving

Edited 13 December, 201411 yr by bealine

I agree but behaviour is hard to measure, automatic convictions by camera are not.

 

Also Cameras are cheap, plod is expensive.

 

Politicians like to look at measurable figures and they like those figures to be guaranteed. A camera will guarantee convictions. Patrols will not guarantee a drop in accidents.

 

Friendly faces..no one in charge really gives a **** about that. They might like to tell that story and sell the idea but they'll never provide the money or time to let it happen.

 

It's a bloody game; always, always look for the cheap win for the politician because that is what will happen.