Speed camera that causes 42% more casualties
Published: 5th January 2009
Category: Location Issues, Crazy
Reader's Rage: [50votes]

A Gatso speed camera put up on the M11 in Essex to save lives has actually increased accidents by 19% and casualties by 42%. Police blamed motorists who slow down as they approach the camera and speed up again once past it. A spokesman from the Highways Agency said that accident data does not show a pattern of accidents which would be consistent with the camera itself being a factor.

However, the facts speak for themselves after a Freedom of Information request revealed that in the 5 years before the camera was put up there were 13 accidents and 14 casualties. In the following 5 years the accidents increased to 16 and casualties went up to 24. Therefore since the road was safer before the camera was in place it's fair to assume the existence of the camera is the main catalyst for the indisputable increase in accidents and casualties.

In February 2008 there was a 3 car pile up immediately in front of the camera adding further proof that the camera had something to do with the accident. It's accepted that accidents are caused by human error such as failing to pay attention to the road, misjudging other driver's intentions, etc, but in this case the camera appears to be an aggravating factor which has ensured more accidents are taking place than before it was put up.

Our comment: Failure to remove this camera which clearly is the catalyst for the increased casualty rate would be final proof that authorities value revenue above human life.

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