Britons’ Struggle with Speed Cameras
As Americans struggle with the introduction of more and more speeding and red-light enforcement cameras, Britons, who have dealt with the cameras for many years now, are also struggling to come to grips with enforcement. In a recent survey of 500 Britons conducted by the IAM Motoring Trust Survey, 78% of Britons approved of speed cameras, up 9% from the year before. Before you start thinking these numbers are fantastics, it’s key to note that they are on the overall decline. In 1999, cameras received a 90% approval.
So what’s going on here? Why are the numbers dropping? Well, only 36% believe that cameras were positioned only at serious crash sites. Further, only 39% believed that revenue generation was not the motive for speed camera use. Since fines often generate more revenue for additional cameras, IAM acknowledges that breaking the link between enforcement and revenue is the key to gaining public confidence.
It is interesting to analyze these numbers, and it seems that the 28% of those interviewed said that someone in their family had been caught by a camera. Obviously, the fines relate to not just a crunch on family finances, but a mistrust and the enforcement system. Perhaps the distrust comes from cameras enforcement that seems to be aimed more toward enhancement of public financing and private profiteering (systems are operated and developed by private businesses), rather than safety enhancement.
But there’s hope for the 28% of families hit with stiff fines, or at least speeding accusations. Come forth Driving-Law.co.uk. It’s an online advisory service to help those that might otherwise be wrongly accused/convicted of a driving offence to have proper legal advice.
“Without a licence, the impact on an individual’s independence, social life, earning potential and job security could be at risk, says Driving-law.co.uk, which advises motorists whether they have a case to challenge in the courts free of charge before suggesting legal representation from a specialist legal team.
With police speed traps and 6,000 speed cameras across the country one in five drivers has already received a speeding conviction. It is also claimed that two million drivers hold six points or more on their driving licence
Without expert advice the likelihood of an individual challenging such a prosecution is slim, so the points can pile up and a driving ban could follow, says the organisation.
Alex Cooke CEO of Driving-Law.co.uk said: “For the vast majority of the public, the only time they are likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system is as a result of a motoring offence. Of course we accept that a motoring offence whether it involves speeding or drink driving is both illegal and puts the lives of others in danger. “To be honest, it shocks me every year to see that motoring convictions are consistently rising. Whilst we do not condone any kind of motoring offence, we do appreciate that everyone has a right to fair legal representation and frank advice.
“With an increasing number of people receiving convictions there’s a growing need for both education and legal advice. In any other criminal circumstance a person would seek legal advice, so why shouldn’t the same rule apply for driving prosecutions? Such prosecutions can be a legal minefield creating much confusion and anxiety.”
Advice is delivered over the telephone with written follow-ups and there is no need to take time out to make an appointment at a traditional high street law firm.”
Source: (Autowired: April 4, 2008).