Concentration could wander

9:43am Monday 7th April 2008

SO - we do indeed have our two new speed cameras at the southern end of Studley, up and running beautifully, I'm sure.

When I approach the illuminating Slow down' signs at the north end of the village, just outside Mappleborough Green, if it remains unlit, I know I'm fine. If it lights up, it does so in time for me to moderate my speed even before I pass it - and all the time, my eyes are up and on the road, and so are those of other road users, both local and newcomers.

In the cold, punitive, hostile land of speed cameras, I find myself constantly glancing down to check my speedometer both before I reach the camera (if indeed I know it's there) and afterwards: because there may be people out there who can take a £60 fixed penalty fine and three points on their licence in their stride, but I sure ain't one of them!

And every time I glance down, both my eyes and my concentration are off the road. That seems plain dangerous to me.

The choice seems clear: safe, clearly visible forewarning, or punitive, risky hindsight.

It would be interesting to know how many others of your readers share my experiences and views.

Val Gaize, Studley

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