Speed Cameras For Rent

Monday, 4. October 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

And so the debate goes on regarding speed cameras. I first of all reported that many local authorities were switching them off as they could no longer afford to keep them operating. Then the public stepped in and complained that they were necessary if we are not to see a rise in deaths on the road, supported by safety bodies. So now it seems that some local authorities are willing to rent a Gatso for £5,000 per annum if local people want to keep particular cameras operating. When Oxfordshire decided to switch off the cameras, following spending cuts to the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership (TVSRP), it caused uproar throughout the villages. The removal of the £600,000 a year grant meant that 72 fixed and 89 mobile cameras became redundant. But following a proposal by four Oxfordshire villages TVSRP have said they would be prepared to rent them for £5,000 per annum. In fact they are going to discuss with the police in order to see if they can reduce the costs. In some areas residents have started to take matters into their own hands by using speed guns and reporting offenders to the police. Whilst drivers cannot be prosecuted unless a policeman is holding the gun, the police are sending out warning letters to offenders. Those using the guns have been trained in their use by the police. The AA questions the real benefit of OAP’s being given speed guns that can only ever result in advisory letters being sent. What do you think? Do you have strong views on the subject? By Graham Hill