'IT IS EASY CRITICISING FROM THE 'OBLIVIOUS' STAND-POINT'.
If the word 'speed' provoked both debate and discussion in an earlier chapter, the heading 'speed limits' is capable of starting wars, causing divorce or turning a sow into a cow. The subject might even create trouble!
The best conclusion can only be and viably reached when the subject is approached with an open mind. Page 269, in 1288, describes a scene in London which fully explains the problem. Always travel at the appropriate speed, not according to the indicated, permissible speed.
What has to be remembered is that everybody speeds every day everywhere, according to current law. Is the law wrong or are the people in-tolerable? If road users choose to travel at a greater speed than the law allows should the law be changed to suit democracy? What we have done is install 'spy' cameras which are designed not to catch thieves but millions of the public who have selected an alternative speed. Cameras costing £30.000 each, at the time of writing. The police know that the public travel at a speed suiting themselves so, are they trying to 'open' or 'close' the Red Sea?
Approximately 6.000 motorist, per week, are fined - providing the Treasury with a hansom £1 millions profit a month. Dick Turpin rides again! One police force spent £500.000 of taxed money on a camera system in one year. We are printing money. Then we remember that thousands of crashes occur in the 30 mph zone. Police forces are becoming the most hated people in the land. It creates mountains of paper work: we should remember the dreadful waste of trees taking in excess of thirty years maturing. It is the most negative, retrograde thinking imaginable.
America proved to the world the stupidity of 'prohibition'.
On this basis, all speed restrictions should be abolished. The alternative is having caution zones' emphasising the immanence of potentially dangerous area. The introduction of a different 'insurance' system will modify minds.
In these 'caution zones' it is the responsibility of every driver to drive at a safe speed and think of their obligations. Great Britain does have the greatest police force in the world and, proving that the police deserve this title; they must rise above petty activates, display common sense and, once again, gain the respect of the public. It is not a game. It is everybody's duty saving, not wasting lives........it could by yours!
'Driving well is to think and, improving towards perfection, requires much thought'.