Forget Speed Cameras...

Now and again, I come across news that simply baffles me. The subject of today's discussion is a new concept put forward by Northumbia Police, which requires residents in the village of Swarland, Northumberland to note down registration numbers of cars they think might be over the speed limit.

The idea is that, once reported, alleged offenders will be issued letters and number plates details will be stored on a database. If reported twice, motorists will have an officer knocking at the door and, after three complaints, will become a target for police to monitor. I am a little confused about this. Firstly, apart from those idiots who speed past a children's play area, obviously doing well over 30mph, is it really that easy to tell how fast someone is going? It may be especially difficult for those who do not drive themselves.

The other main issue is that this is surely asking Joe public to take on the role of policeman (or woman). Now, we all enjoy a bit of light-hearted dress up now and again, but this is surely a bit too far. Northumbria Police have been further criticised by some, who feel that this concept avoids the enforcement of road traffic law and prosecuting dangerous drivers. I agree. It only takes one instance of speeding to cause an accident. If drivers are simply issued with a letter first of all (and this is only if someone has been hanging about with a pen and paper ready to witness it), many will surely continue to speed?

This idea came about due to complaints that motorists do not slow down when entering the village from faster roads. However, I'm sure the complainants didn't expect to become traffic monitors themselves! Whatever happened to speed cameras?

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