Motoring News Bulletin - Spring Bank Holiday

Speed Camera Ban

Not here unfortunately but in the United States - the Ohio State House of Representatives has passed a bill effectively banning the use of unmanned speed cameras and red light cameras. New legislation will only allow the devices to be used when a police officer is present to witness the offence and issue the citation to the driver.

There have been many examples of erroneous automated fines and an increase in accidents (particularly rear-end accidents) at some junctions.

Until Parliament catches up with the forward-thinking Ohio House you can console yourself with some excellent rates for convicted drivers at QuoteA.

Big Brother’s Back

Yes, that show may be back dominating the TV schedules and column inches but with the advent of camera phones and video phones we can never be sure when we are being watched. A prime example being www.baddriving.com – this website is bound to lead to controversy and we don’t condone it. Nevertheless, the fact remains that if you avoid driving badly you can avoid your 15 seconds of being famous (or infamous).

ASBO hits the roads

On a related note it appears that UK police may be willing to haul bad drivers into court and serve them with an ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order). An ASBO is a Civil Order and as such doesn't require the burden off proof required to secure a Criminal Conviction. Breaking the terms of an ASBO however is a criminal offence and it is hoped that this may lead to less lane-hogging, tail-gating, verbal abuse and general carelessness on the roads.