THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DRIVERS
IN SCOTLAND
Simon Seeks More Detailed Clarification
Message ----- From: "Simon Tonks" <simon.tonks
To: <josephine.haggarty@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 10:13 PM
Subject: Your ref: 2002/0024537ORHi Josephine
Thank you for your letter of 16 October.
Unfortunately you haven't given me the detailed figures I requested. I shall focus on these areas again.
Your letter states: "Apart from those located at Glamis and Kirriemuir on the Forfar Bypass to address specific accident issues, the rest were largely aimed at reducing excessive and sustained speeds at strategic points along the route so that the number and severity of road accidents might be reduced". With this in mind, I am stunned by your next comment: "It would be wrong therefore to compare accident statistics for each site". Why? It's highly relevant to the alleged goal. "a comparison of whole route statistics for the 6 years before and after the installation of the first cameras shows a reduction of 23% in fatal accidents and a 9% fall in serious accidents, to which speed cameras have contributed".
I'm not interested in averages. I requested specific information on accidents before and after camera installation for EACH site. If you can calculate the above, clearly you must have these figures available. I would therefore like a copy of these comprehensive figures.
The second point I originally raised, which you also failed to give me figures for, centres around the following statement in your letter: "As I have already explained, the primary purpose of enforcement cameras is to reduce death and injury on the roads. For this reason the cost recovery scheme has to meet strict Treasury criteria to ensure that cameras are not used simply as a means of raising revenue. Accordingly, there is no reason to extract data on the income generated from fixed penalty notices issued in respect of the operation of individual speed cameras on the A90 trunk road." I totally disagree. There's every reason. Whatever aim is allegedly the reason for speed cameras, the simple fact is they generate fines. I think it's very relevant for the public to know just how much EACH camera raises in fines, compared to the accident history at that site. This is especially true as you admit in your letter that Glamis and Kirriemuir on the Forfar Bypass are the only two on the A90 that exist to "address specific accident issues". I believe my original and repeated requests are figures which should be available to the public. If you don't supply me with the figures, then I must make assumptions as to why the facts are hidden. I will then start a campaign to highlight the issues I've raised and the reluctance of the Scottish Executive to deliver specific answers to specific questions.
If you feel you can't help me because your job doesn't give you the authority to supply me with the requested figures then I can appreciate this. If this is indeed the case, please forward my correspondence to someone who does have the relevant authority or at least give me their contact details.
Cheers
Simon
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