Let's see them wriggle out of this one!

[spokey]

http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.j ... ncam11.xml

Speed cameras 'a danger to pedestrians'
By Paul Marston, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 11/10/2004)

Pedestrians are being warned to avoid crossing the road near speed cameras, because of the risk of being struck by a driver taking their eyes off the highway to check their speed.

Motoring groups yesterday claimed that a motorist's braking distance could be fatally extended if they make an unnecessary speed check, and urged the Government to commission research into this effect of camera installation.

The Association of British Drivers (ABD) and the Safe Speed campaign said the potential dangers to pedestrians had been highlighted by last week's statement by a coroner that speed cameras were "in danger of becoming a hazard" because of their distracting effect on drivers.

John Pollard, the South Manchester coroner, criticised the role of a speed camera in a collision that led to the death of a 69-year-old woman as she tried to cross a main road near Stockport.

The campaign groups said that the process of checking a speedometer typically occupied a driver for about one second, or slightly longer. At 30mph, that implied that a motorist would travel 44ft - roughly three car lengths - while looking at the instrument panel.

If 44ft was added to a driver's braking distance in this situation, it would equate to the distance normally required by a car travelling at 42mph.

Paul Smith, of Safe Speed, said research indicated that 70 per cent of drivers checked their speed at least three times when passing a speed camera.

"Irrespective of whether or not they are exceeding the limit, drivers are highly aware of the camera and will check their speedometer, look at the camera and think about the camera. Many will check the speedometer again and even watch the mirror to make sure they haven't been flashed," he said.

"The message for pedestrians is clear: They should always choose a place to cross the road where drivers are not likely to be distracted, which means well away from any speed camera."

The ABD called on the Department for Transport to carry out a study of "this potentially very dangerous aspect of speed cameras" before more casualties were caused.

[DavidO]

I can relate wholeheartedly to this.

During a six month period between being caught by a mobile gatso (on a dry empty dual carriageway) and the impending conviction, I was aware that I could not afford to be caught any where, any time, doing one mph over the limit.

I was absolutely staggered by how tiring long journeys suddenly became, due entirely to the heightened and constant level of concentration I applied to the speedometer. I was also very conscious of the fact that this focused speedo watching must be potentially reducing my normal level of awareness of the road conditions and what was occuring around me.

I had often remarked to friends that I felt that speedo watching, instead of driving to the prevailing conditions and circumstances, was making me a potentially LESS safe driver.

How sad it is that some one actually has lost a life in the cause of the stealth tax economy before this particular issue has been raised in the public domain (not a flippant remark )

[garyw]

I suppose the response could be, "If your not speeding you have nothing to worry about and should be watching the road."

or some similar patronising statement

[Phoenix Nights]

Totally agree with DavidO. The trouble with the standard response referred to above is that the difference between 30mph and 34mph is virtually indiscernible to the driver. I was once done for doing 35mph or something and these days I find I spend extra time eyeing up my speedo when I'd rather be concentrating on the road ahead.

[Robin]

Speed cameras are definitely a dangerous & irritating distraction & one reason I'm aiming to buy another car with cruise control which my last ///M had.

[Guest]

Speed cameras actually cause danger to motorists not speeding or looking for speed cameras.

The other day a car coming towards me got flashed, but this was at night and the camera flashes right in my eyes. It definately startled me for a second. It was just lucky nothing happened during that second. We have all heard stories of people having accidents due to sneezing. I'd say the camera flash startled me for just as long as a sneeze!

Simon