THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DRIVERS
IN SCOTLAND
TAYSIDE CAMPAIGNS
MONTROSE TO BRECHIN ROAD
There is currently a move by the Hillside, Craigo and Dun Community Council to persuade the authorities to impose a 50mph limit on the above road, backed up with speed cameras.
The road is approximately 11 miles long and predominantly consists of long straight stretches. The condition of the surface is generally above average. There are only 2 double bends on the whole length of road. The road is of a standard that for much of its length can easily support safe driving at (or indeed above) the national limit of 60mph. As with any other road, speed has to be tailored according to conditions and particularly at the 2 double bends mentioned, which are signposted. There are very few houses bordering on the road. In the whole length between the restricted zones at the edges of 2 towns there can be no more than 12, plus 1 petrol station, which is in the middle of a straight stretch.
Levels of traffic on the road are not high. At non-peak periods it is possible to travel the whole length of the road without seeing more than 2 or 3 other vehicles travelling in the same direction. The only time traffic is significant is in the morning and evening commuting periods. At these times slow-moving tractors can also be a hazard.
If speed cameras were to be introduced on this road, evidence of action elsewhere in the County would suggest that these will be predominantly sited in the middle of straight stretches, thus making overtaking even more dangerous. They will also do nothing to prevent the other 92% of accidents caused by factors other than speed, nor will they deter all other types of motoring offence such as drinking and driving, defective brakes etc. They wouldn't even detect stolen vehicles until days later.
It is felt that the campaign by the Community Council is devoid of any science or logic and is merely a knee-jerk reaction orchestrated by one or two influential individuals therein who just simply don't like to see people driving briskly.
If you oppose the views of the Community Council then please write to any or all of the Montrose Review, the Dundee Courier, Mike Weir MP, Andrew Welsh MSP, The Angus Council Director of Roads, and The Scottish Executive Roads Dept.
Eamon's first letter to The Montrose Review
Eamon's second letter to The Montrose Review
I have also taken up cudgels with Angus Council Infrastructure Services Committee, in particular with Councillor Selfridge over the establishment of Tayside "Safety" Camera Partnership. I strongly dispute that Speed Cameras are "Safety" Cameras - this is total misrepresentation. Have a look at my letter
As time has gone on Eamon has become increasingly active in Tayside and makes use of the local press whenever possible. Here are a couple more letters firstly to the Dundee Courier and the second to the Dundee Evening Telegraph.
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