Top 50 speed cameras in Staffordshire (MAP)

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  @Backdoored - You really do take this forum business seriously - perhaps you ought to get out a little more.

  By greyguitar at 07:52 on 27/01/12

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  Backdoored,
  I am sure that all you say is true. Howerever I have not been a "victim" of the Weston camera.
  I have seen the panic braking of vehicles as they reach the apex of the bend/hill.
  I have spoken to colleagues,including an ordained C.o.E Priest and warned them of this camera and later received their thanks,
  The high number of fines that come from this location bears witness to my claims. Surely not all of the motorist fined are boy racers or people with a blatant disregard of the law.
  
  The logical answer would be to extend the speed limit 100 yards further north so that the restriction signs would be plainly visible for more 2 seconds at an approach speed of 55mph
  or give warning that there is a restrict speed zone ahead.

  By wolagnub at 23:18 on 26/01/12

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  by 7buster -"The camera on the A53 king street Newcastle with highest score of 1438...! It is a well maintained camera so beware. unquote.
  
  There's a very good reason for this camera being installed and being well maintained too. There have been two serious collisions at this road junction over the past few years and others in previous years too, going back further in time; -the last one was about two years ago when the two cars -one a taxi or private hire vehicle with passengers on board finished up on their roofs.... a miracle no one lost their lives -given the speed of the two cars at the point of impact. write-offs.
  I am amazed that more accidents of this type have not taken place given the amount of times vehicles -particularly cars, jump the lights at speed -when coming down King St or across the junction east-west where there are no such cameras to collect data. Only traffic proceeding up King St towards Etruria/Hanley are recorded.
  The typical scenario for these type of accidents -or when jumping the lights and getting away with it in regard to an accident, takes place usually involving a vehicle travelling up King St -with one coming from Albert St. Cars from these two directions pose the higher risk value when red lights are jumped.
  The reason for this is that the drivers of both vehicles are 'blind' at the point of impact of the others' presence. Whereas traffic approaching from the other directions have a wider field of vision to what is taking place in front of them and from their left or right.
  The least risk when jumping this set of light is for traffic coming down King St towards Newcastle -impacting with traffic coming from their right down Sandy Lane.... where a relative large open grassed area provides about a 30 yards field of vision, enough to 'check' one's criminal decision and screech to a halt at the red light.
  The 'high-risk' approach mentioned above leaves not one yard of vision -Drivers put their lives on the line every time they jump the lights from these aforesaid directions.
  All it takes is for both Drivers to 'take a chance'..... one approaching fast on red along Albert St, anticipating them changing to amber/green, so that if they do, the driver has a 'good run' at the lights....quick off the blocks, while at the same time from their left, coming up King St is a Driver in a similar frame of mind, adrenalin fueled, approaching fast on green, -which when still 30 yards away the green changes to first amber, then red, when they are still short of the junction, -but instead of braking, they put their foot down -increasing their speed to an even greater one, probably 40 mph or more, and BANG! One smashes into the side of the other depending on who was further across the junction on impact.
  That's why that camera was installed where it is. The 'speeding' data it collects -whilst keeping a 'watchful eye' on criminal intent, acts as a deterrent for those travelling up the hill approaching the lights with a thought lurking at the back of their irresponsible minds that they may 'have a go at the 'red light' should it 'challenge' them... -to OBEY!
  
  
  This junction of Kings St, Sandy Lane and Albert St -controlled by traffic lights,

  By Backdoored at 23:14 on 26/01/12

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  by wolagnub
  "'Backdoored' takes issue with the term 'speed trap'. I suggest that he take a drive along the A51southbound to Weston. The speed limit signs are at the top of a hill on a bend and because of the road layout is not clearly visible at all times (other traffic etc.). Just about a vehicle's length past the restriction sign is the speed camera. Not a trap? "A51 Lichfield Road, Weston - 1119".
  
  -Wolagnub, You raise a good point here. As I take it -the Law is obliged to give ample warning of both the Speed Limit -clear signing, and the presence of 'Speed Cameras' -again -well in advance -and easy to see (bright orange boxes).
  If you are correct in your claims re the installation at Weston -then surely those 'facts' as you outline them would be used in your defence by your lawyer should you fall foul of this foul installation.
  The Magistrates, would take a run out to the 'scene of the crime' and confirm your alegations -that you weren't given adequate warning and that your view was so restricted as to not allow you sufficient time with which to slow down to the laid down speed limit.
  
  The powers that be claim Speed Cameras are not there to 'trap' you -but to collect evidence of a motoring offence with which to use to secure a conviction leading to a fine -which would act as a deterrent the next time you were tempted to break the law. If as you claim, they are evidently not there as the latter claims -but purely to 'trap' you -then I can't see how you can fail to 'prosecute' your case against them'.
  Confidence is all -in these matters.

  By Backdoored at 21:33 on 26/01/12

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  ''..At which point did I stray into the "anti camera" brigade. I do not condone speeding at all''. -greyguitar.
  He could have fooled me.
  
  OK mate, let's look at the other bits in your commentary that gave me that impression and see what can be made of my views on them. Starting with your 3 mph claim, and my response to that specifically.
  
  Quote: ''What amazes me is that anyone manages to break the speed limit on the stretch between Newcastle and Trent Vale...It always takes me at least half an hour and I never manage to get above 3 mph. I've had old ladies walking dogs overtake me! They are in a totally unsuitable area."-greyguitar:
  
  And My response to the above:- ''Be careful you're not 'spinning' out of control here mate. Referring to rush-hour traffic flow (3mph) to strengthen your argument is in no way disarming. Have you not ever used this stretch of road between 7pm and midnight? (speedsters' paradise) -when there are still 'old ladies walking their dogs'.
  
  And this by greyguitar:- Given the high numbers of tickets issued by these cameras you can reach two conclusions a) They are failing to alter peoples behaviour or b) They are in a totally unsuitable area." -greyguitar.
  This comment does baffle me. On the one hand you claim that traffic crawls along at 3mph where these cameras are situated, whilst on the other hand complaining about the 'high number of tickets' being issued....?
  And greyguitar -to sum up, calls on a little sardonic considerations, which although such can be of some use at times, fails to find any rational on this occasion:- Quote ...
  -''As for the old lady/dog comment I think you need to look down the back of your sofa, I believe you lost your sense of humour down there." -greyguitar.
  Now that, I do find a strange way of summing up, especially as he's the one that uses the old ladies to 'firm up' his claim that he can only travel at 3 mph on the A34 between Newcastle and Trent Vale -where all the speed cameras are -And then tries to disclaim that -by saying it was a joke all along.
  And there's me thinking he was serious abut these speed cameras and their locations.
  
  There are many people like greyguitar, who, although not being entirely against speed cameras, however do complain about them being installed in the wrong places. I suggest that those 'wrong places' -are the places which take in their daily route to work and must prove at times an inconvenience -and a hindrance, especially when running late.
  
  KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING,
  WHILE OUR LOVED ONES' YEARNING,
  WE KEEP THE CAMERAS EARNING,
  WITH THE SPEEDSTERS CHURNING, SPURNING,
  AND ONE DAY -THEY'LL GO A LEARNING, LEARNING.
  
  KEEP THE CAMERAS EARNING

  By Backdoored at 21:08 on 26/01/12

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