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How to find Daily Telegraph Article.
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Hi Cruthinboy & Becks,
Many thanks Becks I'll try that later if Cruthinboy can't help me. I'm rather pushed for time and find it difficult to think of the key words.
The article was outlining a judges opinion on speed cameras. Apparently a woman was killed near a speed camera and the judge said the camera caused her death. Apparently the article said that there is now scientific proof that speed cameras are causing motorists to take their eyes away from the roads on average 4 times when approaching and driving away from the cameras. This is equally as dangerous as driving at 44mph (I think it said) in a 30mph zone.
I do hope you can find the article for me.
Many thanks in advance C : )
Is this it?
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON) (Part 1)
October 07, 2004, Thursday
SPEED cameras are now so widely used on the roads that they are in danger of becoming a hazard rather than a safety measure, a coroner said yesterday.
He went on to criticise what he regards as the "plethora of unnecessary road signs and markings".
John Pollard, the coroner for South Manchester, spoke out at an inquest on a woman who died after a motorist was apparently distracted by the sight of a speed camera.
Myra Nevett, 69, was injured as she tried to cross a road near her home in Disley, near Stockport, Greater Manchester, on Dec 16 last year. She was struck at night within a few yards of a yellow camera. The road was especially dark at the time because one of the street lights had failed.
Mr Pollard said cameras were sometimes responsible for "distracting drivers, even momentarily, who look at them and their speed rather than the road".
His view was supported by the police accident investigator called to the scene. Pc Michael Jeffrey told the inquest: "They do tend to divert drivers' attention away from other areas and they concentrate solely on their speed."
(Part 2)
Mr Pollard said yesterday: "This case highlights that the plethora of such things as cameras, road markings, different coloured tarmac, illuminated signs and non-illuminated signs is distracting many drivers from having their full attention on driving. Speed cameras distract them particularly. I've noticed it myself on the roads, when drivers who are unfamiliar with a particular stretch will brake harshly to 30mph when perhaps the limit is actually 50mph.
"These cameras are a valuable safety measure when properly sited and used. But they are in danger of becoming a hazard."
The coroner also criticised the increased use of signs giving "unnecessary information", the reliance upon cycle lanes rather than basic observation skills, and the emphasis on sanctions and restrictions against motorists rather than teaching pedestrians to use roads safely.
He added: "We are becoming such a protecting society that unless individuals feel they are protected by state or legislation, they don't seem to bother to protect themselves."
Mr Pollard also expressed concern about the increasing numbers of advertising hoardings attached to lorry trailers, which are then parked in fields beside motorways.
"At 70mph you have only got to look away for a split second to find yourself in the back of the vehicle in front."
Mr Pollard recorded a verdict of accidental death on Mrs Nevett. The driver of the car involved did not give evidence but has been charged with driving without due care and attention. His case is due to be heard by magistrates in Stockport in January.
(PArt 3)
There are 30 speed cameras in Stockport and 188 across Greater Manchester. No one from the Greater Manchester Speed Camera Partnerships, which operates them, was available for comment.
A spokesman for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "The cameras are only situated on roads where four people have been seriously injured or killed. I think it is extremely doubtful that the speed camera was a factor."
Dear Cruthinboy, Thank you so much that must have been the article, (I think the bit about it [distraction caused] being as dangerous as driving at 44mph must have been something someone else told me on the subject) Many many thanks, I'm printing it off now.
Your search skills are excellent. Thanks again.
C : )