A press release to send a shudder down the spine landed on my desk today. Quintezz, the radar detector manufacturer, got in touch to tell us of its devices impending doom as the government looks to ban the use of the devices, destined to become law early next year. In their infinite wisdom the lawmakers are looking to clamp down on the lawbreakers and increase the numbers of offenders caught by removing one of the last lines of defence.
Whilst we at The Car Enthusiast do not condone excessive speed, particularly in built up areas, I feel that this continued victimisation of the motorist is beginning to wear a little thin. Speed cameras don't differentiate between people who habitually offend or those who have a momentary lapse or are driving on unfamiliar roads. The traditional traffic cop role is all but extinct and the slap on the wrist and educational word has gone with them. We live in an environment that can strip you of your license in a day, and the more miles you do, the sooner you're going to get caught. It's inevitable, whether you like it or not.
The camera's role as a safety device rather than a revenue earner is becoming a grey area. Personally I'm all for having cameras outside schools and at accident black spots, but some placements are laughable. Wide open stretches of road and dual carriageways are being targeted. I'm sorry but surely those cameras are better employed protecting people's lives? The argument that people who employ radar detectors are wanton law breakers is also a debatable one; forewarned is forearmed and if the detector gives you more warning that you are approaching a school or black spot then they have to be a good thing.
Don't get me wrong, if you drive into a 30mph zone at excessive speed, then ignore these new radar activated speeding signs (a great idea by the way - I think they should have speed cameras on the reverse), then proceed to speed through the zone, you're a Muppet and deserve to have your license burned. However, as the system stands, these people receive the same, or a lesser, punishment than those doing 85mph on an empty, dry motorway at 4am. Something stinks here and the system needs a rethink.
Sales of detectors are increasing as people try to protect their valuable licenses, but the banning of them is another step in our government's quest to bleed the motorist dry, without providing a decent public transport system with the resulting revenue. Its use of statistics to mould the picture to suit its needs is an ongoing scandal that allows it to steam roll laws through. Has anyone asked you about this lately? Thought not, you don't actually have any input into the debate; we're largely powerless to stop this movement, as it's easy money. Chasing tax evaders is more tricky and costly than taking pictures of people speeding and claiming that they are a danger. The fact that cars are stronger and safer than ever before is ignored as the number of people caught is credited with the reduction in deaths or accidents.
What can you do to protect yourself? Don't speed is the only sure fire way. I'd recommend not speeding in built up areas, as this is a genuinely unsociable and dangerous activity, and having your fun on the open road or on the ever-increasing number of track days. Personally I'll be investing in a GPS based system to aid my senses when out on the open roads. My clean driving license is probably the most valuable thing I own. It's my job and my hobby and directly linked to my endorphin system. The idea of people wanting to take it off me is frankly scary.
Dave Jenkins - 17 Mar 2005
