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CAMERA: The High Lane Gatso
CAMERA: The High Lane Gatso
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'Deadly danger' of speed cameras


6/10/2004

SPEED cameras could be a deadly hazard on British roads, a Greater Manchester coroner says.

At the inquest on a grandmother who was hit while crossing the road close to one of the cameras - known as a Gatso - coroner John Pollard said drivers could have their attention diverted.

He said: "The Gatso can distract the driver. The driver could momentarily be distracted and concentrate on their speed instead of the road."

He described how the camera was one factor which could have played a role in the death of retired school bursar, Myra Nevett, 69, who sustained multiple injuries when she was hit by a car near to a Gatso camera on High Lane, Stockport, on December 16.

Police accident investigator Pc Michael Jeffrey told the Stockport inquest the cameras could create problems.

He added: "They do tend to draw a driver's attention away from other areas and they concentrate on their speed, making sure they are not exceeding the speed limit."

The court heard the speed camera - combined with poor street lighting which created "a pool of darkness" across the stretch of the road where the fatal incident occurred - could have been a contributory factor.

The controversial cameras, which can churn out hundreds of fines in a few hours, have always been viewed as tool to slow traffic down and reduce the number and severity of collisions.

Mrs Nevett, a grandmother of six whose father was a professional footballer with Accrington Stanley in the 1930s, died yards from her home in Alderdale Drive, High Lane, after visiting a friend's house.

Her devastated husband Michael, 71, an insurance broker, was planning to retire to spend more time with his "wonderful and lovely" wife of 44 years.

He said: "I think that once drivers know where speed cameras are it's possible they do concentrate on them and slow down.

"I'm not sure, but I think there can be some sort of distraction."

Mr Pollard recorded a verdict of accidental death.

A man will appear in court charged with driving without due care.

Are speed cameras a distraction? Have your say.


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(50)


Most recent 2 of 50 user comments

   A sad story. No mention of the speed of the vehicle, it does mention "bad lighting", which may have been the major contributing factor. Whilst I feel drivers should adhere to the speed limits, the consequences of a ??60 fine and points for being a few miles over the limit is a distraction in itself. Why was a camera here? was it a known "black spot" why was the lighting bad? and what is/will be done to upgrade it following this fatal accident?
Colin Goff, Aberdeen
23/05/2006 at 08:37

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   I have the following advice for those motorists who think speed cameras can be a potentially dangerous distraction: When driving in uncharted territory - ie in areas you are unfamiliar with and don't know whether or not there are speed cameras in the vicinity - try driving at approximately 4 or 5mph under the given limit. If you drive in such a fashion, then you won't have to look out for cameras and can stay fully focused on your driving, with just the occasional quick glance at your speedo. You can in fact forget completely all about the cameras, as they are not a factor any more. In other words, if you keep your maximum speed at around 4 or 5mph under the limit, you won't be doubly distracted by a camera suddenly coming in to view and then having to check your speed to make sure you're not just over the limit. You can drive confidently in the knowledge that you are fully in control, knowing that no pesky speed camera is going to distract you and potentially endanger yours or anyone elses life. Most people most of the time drive in areas they are familiar with - ie they know where cameras are located - and in these circumstances the "glancing at the camera and being distracted" bit doesn't arise anyway, cos they already knew it was there. Think! It's as simple as that.
Jock, Inverness
5/11/2004 at 15:34

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