To be filed under the 'tell us something we didn't already know' category.
The Mirror (and Telegraph where I read it) say that two out of five speed cameras are inactive but 'remain on road to scare motorists'
A Met source told the Mirror: "Loads of cameras were put up in the '90s but when new guidelines were set out six or seven years ago about where Gatsos could be put, loads of them didn't meet the criteria. They have been left in place to scare motorists. They have a deterrent effect and encourage safe driving."
Yes, they encourage safe driving in the few yards before the Gatso but they haven't improved road safety at all. These things are pointless and should be removed. Saying they act as a deterrent is just a smokescreen.
Here's another 'great idea' from the powers-that-be.
According to the Daily Mail, 'Motorists to undergo 'fit to drive' health checks every 10 years' would seem to be a good idea. It would get some of the really old drivers who shouldn't be on our roads off them. The notion that you have to tell the DVLA that you are ill isn't working. However, there is a cost to this (and, no doubt, another agency set up to monitor it) and even if it's just £80 there will be a lot of people unprepared to pay. Where will that leave everyone.
Also, this is more personal data going into a database for 400,000+ people to access.
The Mail says motorists will be able to choose whether to take the tests, but risk a criminal record if they are later found to fall short of standards. Hmmm, again it's down to decent people to play the game.
They will have to declare themselves fit to drive every decade, with the option of submitting themselves to the £80 examinations for new physical and mental requirements.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority is to issue a series of guidelines covering eyesight and reaction times.
It will means that tens of thousands of elderly people could be prevented from getting behind a wheel under the new restrictions. I'm surprised at Zanu Labour. This is a huge dent in their motoring income. Have you thought this one through properly fellas? Or is there something you aren't telling us yet?
http://captaingatso.net
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Calls for 'speed limited' cars
So, let's get this straight then.
The Government's own statistics show that speed is a factor in just 3% of accidents and yet they want us to believe that by having speed regulated cars the accident rate would drop by 29%? Huh?
Thankfully the good people at SafeSpeed have warned against the move because it encourages people to enter 'zombie mode'. That is to say that once the car is governed by an outside force, some drivers will believe the car is not under their control and nothing bad will happen to them.
This situation has disaster written all over it.
And with this Government's mission creep mentality I wouldn't be surprised if this would be road charging by the back door; speed tickets in the post because a satellite watched you straying over the speed limit and, even worse, imagine trying to overtake someone and the limiter kicked in. It's a recipe for chaos!
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7803997.stm
http://captaingatso.net
The Government's own statistics show that speed is a factor in just 3% of accidents and yet they want us to believe that by having speed regulated cars the accident rate would drop by 29%? Huh?
Thankfully the good people at SafeSpeed have warned against the move because it encourages people to enter 'zombie mode'. That is to say that once the car is governed by an outside force, some drivers will believe the car is not under their control and nothing bad will happen to them.
This situation has disaster written all over it.
And with this Government's mission creep mentality I wouldn't be surprised if this would be road charging by the back door; speed tickets in the post because a satellite watched you straying over the speed limit and, even worse, imagine trying to overtake someone and the limiter kicked in. It's a recipe for chaos!
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7803997.stm
http://captaingatso.net
Sunday 28 December 2008
Zanu Labour 'morally corrupt' claim Bishops
It's taken them a while but five Bishops have now stepped forward to claim that Zanu Labour is 'morally corrupt'.
So, apart from telling us something we didn't already know, what else do they say?
Well, we shouldn't be trying to spend our way out of a recession and the say Labour is 'beguiled' by money (hence anyone with hard cash can buy 'favours' etc etc).
All this is nicely timed since Wee Gordon is about to claim that the recession is going to be a 'test of character'. He's OK with his mega wages and solid gold pension pot.
And especially since no-one has voted for him - anything he says is either a lie or spin.
The IMF have again slagged off our leaders and claim the 2.5% cut in VAT isn't worth anything.
I also meant last week to flag up the Arabs who told Gordon to stick his claims that they need to increase oil production and lower the price up his arse. They said (as most reasonable people do) that fuel prices are expensive here because of the ridiculous amount of tax Labour slap on. As the Arabs said: if you want cheaper fuel to boost the economy then lower pump prices.
Of course, the BBC ignored this and Labour spin their way to another disaster.
Only those who have worked hard and drive a vehicle have anything to fear in the coming weeks and months.
It's going to be a scary ride.
So, apart from telling us something we didn't already know, what else do they say?
Well, we shouldn't be trying to spend our way out of a recession and the say Labour is 'beguiled' by money (hence anyone with hard cash can buy 'favours' etc etc).
All this is nicely timed since Wee Gordon is about to claim that the recession is going to be a 'test of character'. He's OK with his mega wages and solid gold pension pot.
And especially since no-one has voted for him - anything he says is either a lie or spin.
The IMF have again slagged off our leaders and claim the 2.5% cut in VAT isn't worth anything.
I also meant last week to flag up the Arabs who told Gordon to stick his claims that they need to increase oil production and lower the price up his arse. They said (as most reasonable people do) that fuel prices are expensive here because of the ridiculous amount of tax Labour slap on. As the Arabs said: if you want cheaper fuel to boost the economy then lower pump prices.
Of course, the BBC ignored this and Labour spin their way to another disaster.
Only those who have worked hard and drive a vehicle have anything to fear in the coming weeks and months.
It's going to be a scary ride.
Friday 26 December 2008
A question of speed - a great blog
Apologies for missing this when it was published in The Guardian.
It's a very interesting blog and some of the comments below it are pertinent too.
You don't have to be a speedfreak to realise that speed cameras do not work. They don't do what the Government, Police and 'safety camera' partnerships insist on.
Their own figures don't even back up their argument.
Anyway, here's the beginning of the article:
A question of speed
It is becoming clear that speed cameras are not just cash cows for government – they don't even promote safety
Swindon today. Northamptonshire tomorrow. Where next? Some of our local elected representatives have bravely begun to question the wisdom of speed cameras. The revolution is in its early stages and has already shown a doctrinal split, with Swindon scrapping fixed-point cameras and mobile ones, while the Mensheviks of Northamptonshire are looking at ridding the county of just the mobile variety.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/speed-cameras
It's a very interesting blog and some of the comments below it are pertinent too.
You don't have to be a speedfreak to realise that speed cameras do not work. They don't do what the Government, Police and 'safety camera' partnerships insist on.
Their own figures don't even back up their argument.
Anyway, here's the beginning of the article:
A question of speed
It is becoming clear that speed cameras are not just cash cows for government – they don't even promote safety
Swindon today. Northamptonshire tomorrow. Where next? Some of our local elected representatives have bravely begun to question the wisdom of speed cameras. The revolution is in its early stages and has already shown a doctrinal split, with Swindon scrapping fixed-point cameras and mobile ones, while the Mensheviks of Northamptonshire are looking at ridding the county of just the mobile variety.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/speed-cameras
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Bailiffs get power to use force on debtors
This government really are a buch of sneaky bastards. This story has been sneaked out this week and is outrageous. Do we really want to give these idiots access to our homes? Will they make mistakes? Will they chase up disputed car parking ticket on a flimsy pretence? Ridiculous.
The government has been accused of trampling on individual liberties by proposing wide-ranging new powers for bailiffs to break into homes and to use “reasonable force” against householders who try to protect their valuables.
Under the regulations, bailiffs for private firms would for the first time be given permission to restrain or pin down householders. They would also be able to force their way into homes to seize property to pay off debts, such as unpaid credit card bills and loans.
The government, which wants to crack down on people who evade debts, says the new powers would be overseen by a robust industry watchdog. However, the laws are being criticised as the latest erosion of the rights of the householder in his own home.
The government has been accused of trampling on individual liberties by proposing wide-ranging new powers for bailiffs to break into homes and to use “reasonable force” against householders who try to protect their valuables.
Under the regulations, bailiffs for private firms would for the first time be given permission to restrain or pin down householders. They would also be able to force their way into homes to seize property to pay off debts, such as unpaid credit card bills and loans.
The government, which wants to crack down on people who evade debts, says the new powers would be overseen by a robust industry watchdog. However, the laws are being criticised as the latest erosion of the rights of the householder in his own home.
Bob Quick - oversensitive, overreactive 'copper'
More evidence that the police are a now a political branch of the Zanu Labour Party comes in the form of tetchy Asst Comm Bob Quick who slagged of the Tories for highlighting where he lives - forcing him to move his family at short notice.
He was reacting to a great story in the Mail on Sunday which revealed his wife was running a limo firm - from his home.
Errr, this bloke is the top anti-terrorist copper and is announcing his home address on the Internet and local newspaper adverts.
So his slagging of the Tories was unwelcome. And probably untrue since the story probably came from a colleague at Scotland Yard.
More importantly is his outrage that this was a political move to prevent his inquiry into the Damian Green MP affair.
This is balls. Raiding the House of Commons without a search warrant is a massive affront to democracy.
Because, believe me, if this lot get way with this and manage to charge Damian Green with something then we really are living in a police state.
He was reacting to a great story in the Mail on Sunday which revealed his wife was running a limo firm - from his home.
Errr, this bloke is the top anti-terrorist copper and is announcing his home address on the Internet and local newspaper adverts.
So his slagging of the Tories was unwelcome. And probably untrue since the story probably came from a colleague at Scotland Yard.
More importantly is his outrage that this was a political move to prevent his inquiry into the Damian Green MP affair.
This is balls. Raiding the House of Commons without a search warrant is a massive affront to democracy.
Because, believe me, if this lot get way with this and manage to charge Damian Green with something then we really are living in a police state.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Boris to scrap entire congestion zone?
This has got be good news. Boris has been asked outright what he intends to do and he's 'brooding' about it.
C'mon fella. I urge you to see sense. We must stop seeing the motorist as a means of raising revenue. If you want to ease congestion you have to encourage people from their vehicles by improving public transport. Stop hitting drivers with more taxes. Most of us need personal transport. It isn't a lifestyle choice.
Livingstone's congestion charge didn't improve traffic flow and became too expensive. It has destroyed businesses and burdened other businesses with unbelievable extra cost.
Remember that congestion is self-regulating. People won't drive if they can't get anywhere. With expensive car parking in city centres (which is so prohibitive it puts many drivers off from driving into them), the only view of congestion charging is that it's obviously anti-car and anti-motorist.
This is how today's Evening Standard reports it:
BORIS JOHNSON is considering scrapping the entire congestion zone to boost the London economy, he announced today.
The Mayor has already said he will get rid of the western extension zone, but has now pledged to look at abolishing the charge covering central London.
When asked about the issue at today's Mayor's Question Time he said he would "brood" on the matter but wanted to be convinced it would not have an adverse effect on congestion.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
C'mon fella. I urge you to see sense. We must stop seeing the motorist as a means of raising revenue. If you want to ease congestion you have to encourage people from their vehicles by improving public transport. Stop hitting drivers with more taxes. Most of us need personal transport. It isn't a lifestyle choice.
Livingstone's congestion charge didn't improve traffic flow and became too expensive. It has destroyed businesses and burdened other businesses with unbelievable extra cost.
Remember that congestion is self-regulating. People won't drive if they can't get anywhere. With expensive car parking in city centres (which is so prohibitive it puts many drivers off from driving into them), the only view of congestion charging is that it's obviously anti-car and anti-motorist.
This is how today's Evening Standard reports it:
BORIS JOHNSON is considering scrapping the entire congestion zone to boost the London economy, he announced today.
The Mayor has already said he will get rid of the western extension zone, but has now pledged to look at abolishing the charge covering central London.
When asked about the issue at today's Mayor's Question Time he said he would "brood" on the matter but wanted to be convinced it would not have an adverse effect on congestion.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
Monday 15 December 2008
Labour and their database obsession
One of the reasons we are against the building of a Big Brother database is that it's wide-open to abuse.
Countries in Europe can have access to details of British drivers via DVLA but we can't access foreign databses.
And Zanu Labour have just signed an agreement which leaves the door even wider open.
Basically, you could be accussed of a crime in the EU and face extradition without any recourse to 'justice'. For instance, a car with a false plate is spotted near a crime scene and hey presto you're winging your way to a foreign court to explain yourself.
You will be branded a criminal and there's sod all you can do about it. Well done to wee Gordon Clown.
Of course the worst aspect to this is to do something perfectly legal in this country (slag off a foreign head of state for instance) - but which is illegal in another country. And, bang, off you go to face a prison sentence. Again, well done to our lawmakers for their understanding of the legal process.
The Telegraph does quite a good piece on it (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/3761189/Innocent-Britons-may-be-branded-criminals-abroad-after-Big-Brother-databases-agreement.html)
** Whilst we are on the subject. Let's leave aside the Government's inability to keep private data private, or deliver a computer system on time or on budget and think again about the system to log every child in the UK.
This is obviously a database by the back door but our worry is that 330,000 people will have access to it. That's 330,000 nosey, bloody-minded civil and public servants snooping around for info on you and your family.
But wait!
The Government have just made clear the figure is closer 480,000 people. And, of course, not one of them will abuse the info or even, God forbid, be a paedo looking for disfunctional families to befriend.
This has disaster written all over it. And as usual with Zanu Labour we haven't voted for it and we haven't debated the merits of it.
Disgraceful.
Countries in Europe can have access to details of British drivers via DVLA but we can't access foreign databses.
And Zanu Labour have just signed an agreement which leaves the door even wider open.
Basically, you could be accussed of a crime in the EU and face extradition without any recourse to 'justice'. For instance, a car with a false plate is spotted near a crime scene and hey presto you're winging your way to a foreign court to explain yourself.
You will be branded a criminal and there's sod all you can do about it. Well done to wee Gordon Clown.
Of course the worst aspect to this is to do something perfectly legal in this country (slag off a foreign head of state for instance) - but which is illegal in another country. And, bang, off you go to face a prison sentence. Again, well done to our lawmakers for their understanding of the legal process.
The Telegraph does quite a good piece on it (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/3761189/Innocent-Britons-may-be-branded-criminals-abroad-after-Big-Brother-databases-agreement.html)
** Whilst we are on the subject. Let's leave aside the Government's inability to keep private data private, or deliver a computer system on time or on budget and think again about the system to log every child in the UK.
This is obviously a database by the back door but our worry is that 330,000 people will have access to it. That's 330,000 nosey, bloody-minded civil and public servants snooping around for info on you and your family.
But wait!
The Government have just made clear the figure is closer 480,000 people. And, of course, not one of them will abuse the info or even, God forbid, be a paedo looking for disfunctional families to befriend.
This has disaster written all over it. And as usual with Zanu Labour we haven't voted for it and we haven't debated the merits of it.
Disgraceful.
Friday 12 December 2008
Congratulations to the people of Manchester
The vote on whether to install a congestion charge in Manchester had a higher turn-out than general elections and they have voted no.
They faced a £5 charge which would cover 80 square miles.
This goes to show the depth of feeling. Will Londoners get a chance to vote on their congestion charge?
Will the powers-that-be listen?
Instead of offering a stick and then a carrot why don't the government install better, cheaper public transport and encourage people to use that?
But no, they promiseg the better transport links if pepole vote yes.
No-one believes empty promises like that anymore. They just want to get to work without being hammered for yet more tax.
Hopefully, other cities will sit up and take notice of this result. It's unpopular and creates a divide between the people who have to pay it and their 'masters' who want to crush car ownership.
Blame Zanu Labour, that idiot Prescott for failing to create a decent public transport system (and then refusing to resign when he said he would shoudl he fail) and especially blame wee Gordon Clown.
More than a million people voted yesterday but I don't think we've heard the last of this. It's not how things work in the Britain created by Zanu Labour.
* See my earlier post about the £350 tax at work idea. This is now a runner - and it's obviously the Government's plan B should Manchester vote no.
I keep telling people: Zanu Labour don't like criticism and they don't like people standing up to them.
So now we face a tax on work. In a recession. You couldn't make it up.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
They faced a £5 charge which would cover 80 square miles.
This goes to show the depth of feeling. Will Londoners get a chance to vote on their congestion charge?
Will the powers-that-be listen?
Instead of offering a stick and then a carrot why don't the government install better, cheaper public transport and encourage people to use that?
But no, they promiseg the better transport links if pepole vote yes.
No-one believes empty promises like that anymore. They just want to get to work without being hammered for yet more tax.
Hopefully, other cities will sit up and take notice of this result. It's unpopular and creates a divide between the people who have to pay it and their 'masters' who want to crush car ownership.
Blame Zanu Labour, that idiot Prescott for failing to create a decent public transport system (and then refusing to resign when he said he would shoudl he fail) and especially blame wee Gordon Clown.
More than a million people voted yesterday but I don't think we've heard the last of this. It's not how things work in the Britain created by Zanu Labour.
* See my earlier post about the £350 tax at work idea. This is now a runner - and it's obviously the Government's plan B should Manchester vote no.
I keep telling people: Zanu Labour don't like criticism and they don't like people standing up to them.
So now we face a tax on work. In a recession. You couldn't make it up.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
Olympic lanes are a reality
So, not only do London's motorists have to pay congestion charges, face a crippling bill for the Olympics but it's now official that many roads will be cleared to allow Olympic officals to get where they want to be without hindrance.
Great.
That means massive congestion and inconvenience for the rest of us.
Mind you, there are quite a few motorways affected so it should all be very interesting.
It's like being in the old Soviet Union when the top brass had their own lanes. Will Zanu Labour keep the lanes for themselves and their 'friends'??
Oh and to cap it all the government yesterday announced a £350 tax for parking at work.
Are there no depths to which wee Gordon Clown will not stoop for cash?
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net/
Great.
That means massive congestion and inconvenience for the rest of us.
Mind you, there are quite a few motorways affected so it should all be very interesting.
It's like being in the old Soviet Union when the top brass had their own lanes. Will Zanu Labour keep the lanes for themselves and their 'friends'??
Oh and to cap it all the government yesterday announced a £350 tax for parking at work.
Are there no depths to which wee Gordon Clown will not stoop for cash?
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net/
Contact Captain Gatso
We have had some really good letters from our site visitors recently and I intend to publish them next week.
Like me, they are from professional people angry at the way in which this country is going.
The spread of speed cameras has nothing to do with safety (accidents are increasing and speed - according to the Government is only a factor in less than 5% of accidents) and everything to do with raising cash and monitoring people.
The Government's intentions are always cloudy - take ANPR for instance. It's there to catch unlicensed drivers - but cops panicked when they realised it was colour-blind and was picking up more non-white drivers for offences.
Then they started connecting all of the CCTV systems, including those in supermarkets, and giving them ANPR facilities too.
Then they announce that cameras can recognise people.
How did we get here from speed camera installation? (And the big shame is that the cops weren't interested in running speed cameras until the Government gave them a slice of the revenue and hey presto! we have thousands of cameras appear for 'road safety'.)
This madness has to stop.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
Like me, they are from professional people angry at the way in which this country is going.
The spread of speed cameras has nothing to do with safety (accidents are increasing and speed - according to the Government is only a factor in less than 5% of accidents) and everything to do with raising cash and monitoring people.
The Government's intentions are always cloudy - take ANPR for instance. It's there to catch unlicensed drivers - but cops panicked when they realised it was colour-blind and was picking up more non-white drivers for offences.
Then they started connecting all of the CCTV systems, including those in supermarkets, and giving them ANPR facilities too.
Then they announce that cameras can recognise people.
How did we get here from speed camera installation? (And the big shame is that the cops weren't interested in running speed cameras until the Government gave them a slice of the revenue and hey presto! we have thousands of cameras appear for 'road safety'.)
This madness has to stop.
Captain Gatso
http://captaingatso.net
Thursday 11 December 2008
Germany questions UK rescue plan
It's not just me that's seen through wee Gordon Brown's 'financial genius then.
Today we have the Germans stepping into the debate - it's highly unusual for one country to criticise another.
Apparently, Germany's finance minister has strongly criticised Gordon Brown's plans for reviving the UK economy, describing them as a "breathtaking" and "crass". Peer Steinbruck had criticised the UK's decision to cut VAT and raise the national debt to record levels.
I'll say.
Let's get one thing straight - we are the most taxed nation in Europe and it's going to get worse. We are skint, the cupboard is bare and we are leaving our children (and if Gordon has anything to do with it our children's children) a huge burden of debt.
And this from a man who for years has said we shouldn't borrow too much money.
The man is an idiot, a clown, a plastic politician.
One trillion pounds of debt? That's just insane.
So for all you car drivers out there expect to keep paying high taxes for your fuel, road tax and no end of other taxes.
But don't worry - the 600,000 extra civil servants are OK with their gold plated pensions (but not for long fellas!!!) and the police will be 'encouraged' to put up more speed cameras.
People say we are going to hell in a handcart. I say we are already there.
CG
http://captaingatso.net/
Today we have the Germans stepping into the debate - it's highly unusual for one country to criticise another.
Apparently, Germany's finance minister has strongly criticised Gordon Brown's plans for reviving the UK economy, describing them as a "breathtaking" and "crass". Peer Steinbruck had criticised the UK's decision to cut VAT and raise the national debt to record levels.
I'll say.
Let's get one thing straight - we are the most taxed nation in Europe and it's going to get worse. We are skint, the cupboard is bare and we are leaving our children (and if Gordon has anything to do with it our children's children) a huge burden of debt.
And this from a man who for years has said we shouldn't borrow too much money.
The man is an idiot, a clown, a plastic politician.
One trillion pounds of debt? That's just insane.
So for all you car drivers out there expect to keep paying high taxes for your fuel, road tax and no end of other taxes.
But don't worry - the 600,000 extra civil servants are OK with their gold plated pensions (but not for long fellas!!!) and the police will be 'encouraged' to put up more speed cameras.
People say we are going to hell in a handcart. I say we are already there.
CG
http://captaingatso.net/
Tuesday 9 December 2008
w*nker of the week
So Imran Hussain is having a wank at a steady 120mph, pissed out of his head, kills an innocent father and son by driving into the back of their car and only gets 8 years?
The real shame is he will be out in four.
Where is the justice in that?
Hussain, a dad of four, was twice the legal drink-drive limit.
He's only been banned for 15 years. Why should this idiot get behind the wheel of a car again?
On top of this he could have been sentenced for 14 years - so exactly what does someone have to do get the full sentence?
What a country. What a waste of decent peoples' lives.
I keep on saying it but we need more - not less- police patrolling our streets to stop things like this happening again.
Captian Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
The real shame is he will be out in four.
Where is the justice in that?
Hussain, a dad of four, was twice the legal drink-drive limit.
He's only been banned for 15 years. Why should this idiot get behind the wheel of a car again?
On top of this he could have been sentenced for 14 years - so exactly what does someone have to do get the full sentence?
What a country. What a waste of decent peoples' lives.
I keep on saying it but we need more - not less- police patrolling our streets to stop things like this happening again.
Captian Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Monday 8 December 2008
Ho ho ho - the thin blue line gets thinner
Bizarrely, I thought this would make a much bigger story.
There are fewer police now - down at least 1,500 in a year.
But the number of PCSOs (Blunkett's plastic policemen) has DOUBLED.
This is just policing on the cheap and raises some worrying issues. Zanu Labour are forking out ever increasing amounts for policing and for what?
Civilian staff and well-paid middle management that's what.
We need more officers on streets, and we especially need officers patrolling our roads.
There are fewer police now - down at least 1,500 in a year.
But the number of PCSOs (Blunkett's plastic policemen) has DOUBLED.
This is just policing on the cheap and raises some worrying issues. Zanu Labour are forking out ever increasing amounts for policing and for what?
Civilian staff and well-paid middle management that's what.
We need more officers on streets, and we especially need officers patrolling our roads.
Friday 5 December 2008
Older drivers 'six times more likely' to be caught by speed cameras
Well, well, well. Who would have believed it?
The people most likely to be caught be speed cameras are elderly drivers.
They are six times more likely to be fined for speeding than a decade ago, outnumbering young offenders almost three times, a survey has found.
The number of men aged 60 and over receiving penalty points for speeding soared by 540 per cent, and among women of the same age by 1,200 per cent, though starting from a very low base.
By contrast, the number of drivers under 25 being caught for speeding grew by only 18 per cent in the past 10 years.
So let's not focus on 'boy racers' and consider why older people are being caught. Do we believe they are such a real problem on our roads? Are they bad drivers?
Or have they always been a problem but police were reluctant to ticket them? maybe we should be looking at preventing people over a certain age not having licences.
Don't expect an answer soon from ZANU Labour. Or the speed camera partnerships - not while so many grannies are racking up fines. Which they will always pay without complaint.
Cheers!
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net
The people most likely to be caught be speed cameras are elderly drivers.
They are six times more likely to be fined for speeding than a decade ago, outnumbering young offenders almost three times, a survey has found.
The number of men aged 60 and over receiving penalty points for speeding soared by 540 per cent, and among women of the same age by 1,200 per cent, though starting from a very low base.
By contrast, the number of drivers under 25 being caught for speeding grew by only 18 per cent in the past 10 years.
So let's not focus on 'boy racers' and consider why older people are being caught. Do we believe they are such a real problem on our roads? Are they bad drivers?
Or have they always been a problem but police were reluctant to ticket them? maybe we should be looking at preventing people over a certain age not having licences.
Don't expect an answer soon from ZANU Labour. Or the speed camera partnerships - not while so many grannies are racking up fines. Which they will always pay without complaint.
Cheers!
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Manchester congestion charge - the dirty war steps up
One thing about this government and most councils is that they hate public 'consultation'.
It's generally just a tick box exercise to agree with the decision that's already been taken.
And in Manchester this is being seen.
There's a vote about the proposed congestion charge about to be held so you would think there would be balanced debate and a chance for each side to promote its views.
You would be wrong. This is Britain under Zanu Labour.
So why am I not surprised that ITV has canned an advert for the charge from being broadcast.
Diabolical.
You can read more about what's going on at http://www.stopthecharge.co.uk/
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net/
It's generally just a tick box exercise to agree with the decision that's already been taken.
And in Manchester this is being seen.
There's a vote about the proposed congestion charge about to be held so you would think there would be balanced debate and a chance for each side to promote its views.
You would be wrong. This is Britain under Zanu Labour.
So why am I not surprised that ITV has canned an advert for the charge from being broadcast.
Diabolical.
You can read more about what's going on at http://www.stopthecharge.co.uk/
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net/
Thursday 4 December 2008
DNA database 'breach of rights'
Here's a sensible decision from the the European Court of Human Rights.
Two British men should not have had their DNA and fingerprints retained by police,
The men's information was held by South Yorkshire Police, although neither was convicted of any offence.
The judgement could have major implications on how DNA records are stored in the UK's national database.
I'll say!
The judges said keeping the information "could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic society".
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "disappointed" by the European Court of Human Rights' decision.
Well she would be - as part of the Stasi and the 'mission creep' mentality of ZANU Labour they don't like people standing up to them.
The database may now have to be scaled back following the unanimous judgement by 17 senior judges from across Europe.
Under present laws, the DNA profiles of everyone arrested for a recordable offence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are kept on the database, regardless of whether they are charged or convicted.
In addition, it's got thousands of schoolchildren on it plus thousands of people who helped police inquiries - by giving their DNA to exclude them from an investigation.
It's a sick society which amasses information like this. Don't be fooled by these idiots who say it helps solve crime.
Crime is much higher that the Government admits (anyone for a caution instead of charged and brought before a court, anyone?)
I'll lay money now the police do not destroy the DNA for these two - found not guilty of any crime - and the police refuse all future cases.
UPDATE
I've just had a thought....if this database is open and meant to be for the power of good - then how come Tony Bliar and his cohorts in the 'Cash for Honours' scandal didn't have their DNA taken?
I only ask. All things being equal and all that.
Two British men should not have had their DNA and fingerprints retained by police,
The men's information was held by South Yorkshire Police, although neither was convicted of any offence.
The judgement could have major implications on how DNA records are stored in the UK's national database.
I'll say!
The judges said keeping the information "could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic society".
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "disappointed" by the European Court of Human Rights' decision.
Well she would be - as part of the Stasi and the 'mission creep' mentality of ZANU Labour they don't like people standing up to them.
The database may now have to be scaled back following the unanimous judgement by 17 senior judges from across Europe.
Under present laws, the DNA profiles of everyone arrested for a recordable offence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are kept on the database, regardless of whether they are charged or convicted.
In addition, it's got thousands of schoolchildren on it plus thousands of people who helped police inquiries - by giving their DNA to exclude them from an investigation.
It's a sick society which amasses information like this. Don't be fooled by these idiots who say it helps solve crime.
Crime is much higher that the Government admits (anyone for a caution instead of charged and brought before a court, anyone?)
I'll lay money now the police do not destroy the DNA for these two - found not guilty of any crime - and the police refuse all future cases.
UPDATE
I've just had a thought....if this database is open and meant to be for the power of good - then how come Tony Bliar and his cohorts in the 'Cash for Honours' scandal didn't have their DNA taken?
I only ask. All things being equal and all that.
10 reasons to scrap CONgestion charge
Well done to Kelvin Mackenzie in today's Sun for spelling out the horrors that await Manchester's population if they vote yes to a congestion charge being introduced.
Even with a fee of £5 a day it would cost around £100 a month extra getting to work. Not bad for a city where the average wage is £15,000.
As we at MAD keep saying, this is a tax which hits the poorest hardest. The roads then become freer for the better off. How is that fair under ZANU Labour?
But the most important reason for voting no is that this will nail the congestion charge being brought in to other cities like Leeds for example.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/columnists/kelvin_mackenzie/article2001330.ece
Even with a fee of £5 a day it would cost around £100 a month extra getting to work. Not bad for a city where the average wage is £15,000.
As we at MAD keep saying, this is a tax which hits the poorest hardest. The roads then become freer for the better off. How is that fair under ZANU Labour?
But the most important reason for voting no is that this will nail the congestion charge being brought in to other cities like Leeds for example.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/columnists/kelvin_mackenzie/article2001330.ece
Global warming - it's snow joke!
So half of Britain is under deep layers of snow today (and for many not for the first time in the past few weeks) plus most of the ski resorts in Europe have had their best snow falls for over a decade.
That will be global warming then.
That will be global warming then.
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Even the Keystone Cops are better than this lot
I did wonder why the acting Met commissioner was quite so mouthy this morning saying his officers were great, did nothing wrong with Damian Green MP and then this afternoon Gorbals Mick drops the ultimate bombshell in Parliament.
The Met police conducted their raids on a democratically elected MP without a search warrant! (Perhaps a judge would have asked too many sensible questions about the reasons why??)
You couldn't make it up!
After I had stopped laughing I realised this underlines what I have been saying in ths blog.
And that is that the police are out of control. They must be brought to book. Senior officers and civil servants need to be sacked over this.
On top of this the front page of the Daily Mail today announces that the march of Big Brother carries on. Police will be able to stop anyone and ask for their 'papers'. For this read ID card - and this really is a final nail in our democratic coffin.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - the people the officials are after are legitimate British citizens (even if born abroad and take citizenship), they will have legit 'papers' so stopping people and arresting those who won't produce ID is just a farce. And then to threaten prison is a joke.
Again it will be the law-abiding masses who will get hit the hardest.
Surely, we can't be that far from a revolution, civil dissent or even a coup? (Mind you, the Army are stretched abroad so won't be able to do it - funny that).
We're doomed I tell you, doomed.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
The Met police conducted their raids on a democratically elected MP without a search warrant! (Perhaps a judge would have asked too many sensible questions about the reasons why??)
You couldn't make it up!
After I had stopped laughing I realised this underlines what I have been saying in ths blog.
And that is that the police are out of control. They must be brought to book. Senior officers and civil servants need to be sacked over this.
On top of this the front page of the Daily Mail today announces that the march of Big Brother carries on. Police will be able to stop anyone and ask for their 'papers'. For this read ID card - and this really is a final nail in our democratic coffin.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - the people the officials are after are legitimate British citizens (even if born abroad and take citizenship), they will have legit 'papers' so stopping people and arresting those who won't produce ID is just a farce. And then to threaten prison is a joke.
Again it will be the law-abiding masses who will get hit the hardest.
Surely, we can't be that far from a revolution, civil dissent or even a coup? (Mind you, the Army are stretched abroad so won't be able to do it - funny that).
We're doomed I tell you, doomed.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Tuesday 2 December 2008
This Damian Green case just won't go away
Leaving aside the fact that the police are a law unto themselves, what are we to make of a top cop investigating how the police behaved in handling the Damian Green case?
The alarm bells must be ringing loud within ZANU Labour because they know they've made a wrong move (and of course it helps that the Home Secretary tells fibs and the Prime Minister remains silent).
The Met's acting commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, says "I am properly concerned about the issues being raised within the continuing debate." Which is his way of saying they hadn't thought it through and that to enter the Commons was a sign of intimidation. If MPs can't conduct their business, what hope is there for the rest of us?
The Speaker, Gorbals Mick is useless. He never letsthe Government be criticised and gave Tony Bliar such an easy ride that he's a disgrace to the position.
Come on boys bring on the vote of no confidence.
The real issue here is that ZANU Labour and their underlings have lost sight of thefact they work for us.
And not, as they think, the population are a distraction from their every day workings. I mean this shower have introduced 3,500 NEW offences since coming to power.
They've managed to criminalise thousands of ordinary, hard working people with their war on the motorist and yet they still don't get it. (And yet proper villians get cautions because to charge them would affect the crime statistics which would make them much worse than they already are).
They've lost most of their party membership and have to offer dodgy dealings to get money in the bank.
They also claim to have created jobs (yes, for migrants) but what they don't say that there are 600,000 more people working for the Government - and these people don't create wealth. They have no idea how to.
Darling's 'daring gamble' with the country's economy will come back to haunt us.
This country is morally bankrupt and it's the fault of Bliar and Mugabe Brown.
We're doomed I tell you, doomed.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
The alarm bells must be ringing loud within ZANU Labour because they know they've made a wrong move (and of course it helps that the Home Secretary tells fibs and the Prime Minister remains silent).
The Met's acting commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, says "I am properly concerned about the issues being raised within the continuing debate." Which is his way of saying they hadn't thought it through and that to enter the Commons was a sign of intimidation. If MPs can't conduct their business, what hope is there for the rest of us?
The Speaker, Gorbals Mick is useless. He never letsthe Government be criticised and gave Tony Bliar such an easy ride that he's a disgrace to the position.
Come on boys bring on the vote of no confidence.
The real issue here is that ZANU Labour and their underlings have lost sight of thefact they work for us.
And not, as they think, the population are a distraction from their every day workings. I mean this shower have introduced 3,500 NEW offences since coming to power.
They've managed to criminalise thousands of ordinary, hard working people with their war on the motorist and yet they still don't get it. (And yet proper villians get cautions because to charge them would affect the crime statistics which would make them much worse than they already are).
They've lost most of their party membership and have to offer dodgy dealings to get money in the bank.
They also claim to have created jobs (yes, for migrants) but what they don't say that there are 600,000 more people working for the Government - and these people don't create wealth. They have no idea how to.
Darling's 'daring gamble' with the country's economy will come back to haunt us.
This country is morally bankrupt and it's the fault of Bliar and Mugabe Brown.
We're doomed I tell you, doomed.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Monday 1 December 2008
Electric car target is just bonkers
This government, this bunch of incompetent no-hopers called ZANU Labour, just won't give up, will they?
News today is that everyone will have to drive an electric car by 2025 is just insane. And I have a number of reasons for offering my bile on this subject.
The idea is that we need to bring down CO2 levels. Cars, get this, are responsible for around 22 per cent of that figure. (And most of that is produced by dirty, inefficient buses and heavy lorries not cars (Indeed, in some parts of the world cars put out cleaner air than they take in!)).
And I have to laugh when the Daily Telegraph announces with a straight face that Gordon Mugabe Brown is 'an advocate of electric cars' - this from a man who can't drive!
So how will ditching petrol engines make a difference?
I'll give you some solutions without doing so: restrict air traffic (and increase their fuel duty); most CO2 in this country comes from homes so insulate better the ones we have by offering tax incentives and not building 3,000,000 more as promised by that thin-skinned buffoon Prescott; build more efficient power stations.
And lastly, the most effective way of them all: start culling cattle and sheep because they produce far more CO2 than cars ever will.
(I offer all these solutions despite not believing at all in the idea of man-made climate change. We are subject to natural changes in the earth's temperature: the Romans grew vineyards north of Newcastle and when the Vikings landed in Greenland it was actually green and not covered in ice.)
But wait...there are a number of political issues there aren't there?
As I keep saying - the Government isn't interested in using motorists to bring down CO2 levels. It's a gimmick. A lie. An untruth. It's political posturing and they need our road taxes. Mind you, looks like electricty will rocket in price between now and then. Mark my words!
News today is that everyone will have to drive an electric car by 2025 is just insane. And I have a number of reasons for offering my bile on this subject.
The idea is that we need to bring down CO2 levels. Cars, get this, are responsible for around 22 per cent of that figure. (And most of that is produced by dirty, inefficient buses and heavy lorries not cars (Indeed, in some parts of the world cars put out cleaner air than they take in!)).
And I have to laugh when the Daily Telegraph announces with a straight face that Gordon Mugabe Brown is 'an advocate of electric cars' - this from a man who can't drive!
So how will ditching petrol engines make a difference?
I'll give you some solutions without doing so: restrict air traffic (and increase their fuel duty); most CO2 in this country comes from homes so insulate better the ones we have by offering tax incentives and not building 3,000,000 more as promised by that thin-skinned buffoon Prescott; build more efficient power stations.
And lastly, the most effective way of them all: start culling cattle and sheep because they produce far more CO2 than cars ever will.
(I offer all these solutions despite not believing at all in the idea of man-made climate change. We are subject to natural changes in the earth's temperature: the Romans grew vineyards north of Newcastle and when the Vikings landed in Greenland it was actually green and not covered in ice.)
But wait...there are a number of political issues there aren't there?
As I keep saying - the Government isn't interested in using motorists to bring down CO2 levels. It's a gimmick. A lie. An untruth. It's political posturing and they need our road taxes. Mind you, looks like electricty will rocket in price between now and then. Mark my words!
Saturday 29 November 2008
Britain is a police state - OFFICIAL!!
The arrest of Tory MP Damian Green is a shocking act - the police are out of control.
And for Gordon Brown to say he didn't know anything about it is beyond incredible.
Only a clown like Speaker Martin would allow cops to raid the MP's office in Parlament. This is an affront on democracy - but like I've been saying...Labour (or should that be ZANU Labour?) aren't interested in democracy. They don't like critics.
These people know that their days are numbered. Interesting that things like this happen when those snakes Mandelson and Campbell return to the warzone.
So, the front of the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1090386/Police-state-Britain-MPs-want-protection-arrest-Tory-telling-truths-Labour-didnt-want-know.html) is that Britain is now a police state and MP's want protection. What about the rest of us? We've been putting up with this for years. We have no rights. The police will pursue who they like.
On top of this there's an interesting story in today's Times too. A reporter is put through the criminal process (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article5254372.ece) and it turns out there is no case to answer. Strip searched etc.
She had a copper as a friend and then was 'monitored' illegally by the police. The judge is appalled.
Bizarrely, Article 10 of the European Human Rights convention has protected her. She says she feels 'violated' but I doubt she will be the last. Do the police ever step forward and apologise and promise not to do it again?
Where are you ZANU Labour supporters now? Is this really the Britain you want? You must speak out now - we are teetering on the brink. Labour and the police are out of control.
But don't worry about it - the Socialist Prime Minister Tony Blair is now a multi-millionaire. Nice work if you can get it.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
++++++++STOP PRESS ++++++STOP PRESS ++++++STOP PRESS
I have been sent the police equivalent of a 'D Notice' which has been emailed to all of Britain's news editors.
I'm pleased to see that they've all ignored it - except the Labour-supporting papers who can't bring themselves to upset the puppet master. They haven't got the balls to realise they are supporting a bunch of fascist bastards.
Anyway, references to the Contempt of Court Act don't mean anything now - especially now that everyone has published material likely to prejudice a fair trial. Endanger a criminal trial? You bunch of piss-taking amateurs. I hope a few careers get burned over this.
And for Gordon Brown to say he didn't know anything about it is beyond incredible.
Only a clown like Speaker Martin would allow cops to raid the MP's office in Parlament. This is an affront on democracy - but like I've been saying...Labour (or should that be ZANU Labour?) aren't interested in democracy. They don't like critics.
These people know that their days are numbered. Interesting that things like this happen when those snakes Mandelson and Campbell return to the warzone.
So, the front of the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1090386/Police-state-Britain-MPs-want-protection-arrest-Tory-telling-truths-Labour-didnt-want-know.html) is that Britain is now a police state and MP's want protection. What about the rest of us? We've been putting up with this for years. We have no rights. The police will pursue who they like.
On top of this there's an interesting story in today's Times too. A reporter is put through the criminal process (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article5254372.ece) and it turns out there is no case to answer. Strip searched etc.
She had a copper as a friend and then was 'monitored' illegally by the police. The judge is appalled.
Bizarrely, Article 10 of the European Human Rights convention has protected her. She says she feels 'violated' but I doubt she will be the last. Do the police ever step forward and apologise and promise not to do it again?
Where are you ZANU Labour supporters now? Is this really the Britain you want? You must speak out now - we are teetering on the brink. Labour and the police are out of control.
But don't worry about it - the Socialist Prime Minister Tony Blair is now a multi-millionaire. Nice work if you can get it.
Captain Gatso
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
++++++++STOP PRESS ++++++STOP PRESS ++++++STOP PRESS
I have been sent the police equivalent of a 'D Notice' which has been emailed to all of Britain's news editors.
I'm pleased to see that they've all ignored it - except the Labour-supporting papers who can't bring themselves to upset the puppet master. They haven't got the balls to realise they are supporting a bunch of fascist bastards.
Anyway, references to the Contempt of Court Act don't mean anything now - especially now that everyone has published material likely to prejudice a fair trial. Endanger a criminal trial? You bunch of piss-taking amateurs. I hope a few careers get burned over this.
Friday 28 November 2008
London congestion charge zone slashed by Boris Johnson
It's good to see common-sense prevails in the office of the Mayor of London. Now that the idiot Livingstone has gone with his hatred of cars (and especially motorists) we should start being happier about what might happen to the capital's roads.
The good news here is that it should deliver a blow to the congestion charge vote taking place in Manchester.
Congestion charging doesn't work. It makes driving for poor people prohibative and doesn't have an impact on CO2 emmissions or any other nonsense thrown up as a reason for having it.
Here's The Times:
The London congestion charge zone will be halved after Boris Johnson, the Mayor, decided to abolish the western extension introduced last year by his predecessor, Ken Livingstone.
The decision follows a bitter dispute between the mayor and senior officials in his transport authority, who accused him of ignoring the benefits of the £8 daily charge and acting on a flawed public consultation.
The powers-that-be say it's a wrong move but Boris is responding to a survey of public opinion who want the scheme abolished.
But hang on - that's democracy isn't it? And that's something that Nu Labour and their henchman don't want.
Well done Boris.
Manchester - vote against congestion charging!
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net
The good news here is that it should deliver a blow to the congestion charge vote taking place in Manchester.
Congestion charging doesn't work. It makes driving for poor people prohibative and doesn't have an impact on CO2 emmissions or any other nonsense thrown up as a reason for having it.
Here's The Times:
The London congestion charge zone will be halved after Boris Johnson, the Mayor, decided to abolish the western extension introduced last year by his predecessor, Ken Livingstone.
The decision follows a bitter dispute between the mayor and senior officials in his transport authority, who accused him of ignoring the benefits of the £8 daily charge and acting on a flawed public consultation.
The powers-that-be say it's a wrong move but Boris is responding to a survey of public opinion who want the scheme abolished.
But hang on - that's democracy isn't it? And that's something that Nu Labour and their henchman don't want.
Well done Boris.
Manchester - vote against congestion charging!
CG
The Motorists' Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Man wearing speed camera costume gets a ticket
I love this story from Pistonheads. It shows how people can be both clever and stupid at the same time.
A red light camera in Arizona has snapped what appears to be a speed camera behind the wheel of an SUV. On September 14 the camera in Peoria photographed the car going through a red light split seconds after it changed.
But when the citation was issued the photograph clearly showed a person dressed up as a speed camera for an afternoon behind the wheel. Australian company Redflex, which runs photo enforcement programs for nine jurisdictions in Arizona, sent the ticket automatically to the Peoria Police Department for approval.
But according to reports state law requires the driver to 
be positively identified before the citation is issued. This is detailed on the Tuscon Police Department website: 'Does a Police Officer review my complaint before it is mailed? Yes. Every violation is reviewed by a Tucson Police Officer prior to a ticket being issued. The officer confirms the elements of the violation ensuring that there are grounds to believe a violation was committed, confirms the plate is readable and the driver is identifiable.
be positively identified before the citation is issued. This is detailed on the Tuscon Police Department website: 'Does a Police Officer review my complaint before it is mailed? Yes. Every violation is reviewed by a Tucson Police Officer prior to a ticket being issued. The officer confirms the elements of the violation ensuring that there are grounds to believe a violation was committed, confirms the plate is readable and the driver is identifiable.'The officer compares the photograph of the driver to the driver's license photo when possible. If there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence was committed and the person driving the vehicle is the one named, the officer places their name and badge number on the ticket and authorizes it to be issued. We believe that review of the violation by a trained police officer is critical in ensuring integrity in the process.’
If this is true the officer who issued the citation cannot have identified the driver without noticing his head was shrouded by a painted cardboard box.
Captain Gatso, of Motorists Against Detection, said: ‘We clearly all need to go down to our local supermarket and get a cardboard box and spray it yellow.’
CG
The Motorists Friend
Government gambles our future and hurts motorists
This is a ridiculous gamble - it looks good on paper while the price of oil is low but it's a disaster for motorists when the price of crude rises (as it will do).
It's a nonsense budget designed to hurt motorists yet again. It's not that long since Gordon Brown was blaming everyone for the price of oil and urging them to increase production.
This spin-happy clown neglected to mention in his interviews (and which the craven BBC duly obliged) that we are heavily taxed at 70% on fuel pump prices and here they are going up yet again.
They've avoided putting the increase on twice now. Tossers.
So here's the Daily telegraph's take on what's happening:
There will be a 2p per litre rise in the cost of petrol from December 1, meaning motorists will make no gain from a cut in VAT announced in the pre-Budget report.
Anger at the fuel duty increases was tempered by a climb-down over controversial plans to increase road tax on millions of cars. (We will come back to this topic!)
The Treasury insisted next week's duty rise would leave drivers no worse off, but future rises will mean net increases in the cost of fuel.
The first duty increase was postponed earlier this year amid soaring oil prices, but with oil now at half the level it reached at its peak and pump prices falling, the Chancellor said it was right to go ahead with the rise.
Fuel duty will then rise again by 2p a litre in April next year and once more in April 2010, giving a total of 6p extra tax that will more than off-set the one-off temporary VAT cut, which will be reversed at the start of 2010.
Believe me, this is something that we will be returning to.
They can't chance an early election. The country is skint because of Brown's "financial genius" and we've lumbered ourselves with a shed-load of debt we can't pay back.
Please, vote anything but Labour to put this country right again.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
It's a nonsense budget designed to hurt motorists yet again. It's not that long since Gordon Brown was blaming everyone for the price of oil and urging them to increase production.
This spin-happy clown neglected to mention in his interviews (and which the craven BBC duly obliged) that we are heavily taxed at 70% on fuel pump prices and here they are going up yet again.
They've avoided putting the increase on twice now. Tossers.
So here's the Daily telegraph's take on what's happening:
There will be a 2p per litre rise in the cost of petrol from December 1, meaning motorists will make no gain from a cut in VAT announced in the pre-Budget report.
Anger at the fuel duty increases was tempered by a climb-down over controversial plans to increase road tax on millions of cars. (We will come back to this topic!)
The Treasury insisted next week's duty rise would leave drivers no worse off, but future rises will mean net increases in the cost of fuel.
The first duty increase was postponed earlier this year amid soaring oil prices, but with oil now at half the level it reached at its peak and pump prices falling, the Chancellor said it was right to go ahead with the rise.
Fuel duty will then rise again by 2p a litre in April next year and once more in April 2010, giving a total of 6p extra tax that will more than off-set the one-off temporary VAT cut, which will be reversed at the start of 2010.
Believe me, this is something that we will be returning to.
They can't chance an early election. The country is skint because of Brown's "financial genius" and we've lumbered ourselves with a shed-load of debt we can't pay back.
Please, vote anything but Labour to put this country right again.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Call to reward law-abiding drivers
I missed this Press Association story when it first came out.
It underlines what I have been saying is needed for a long time. It makes common sense.
Instead of undermining and punishing motorists there has to be a balance to this idiot government's approach to dealing with motorists.
Don't know who did the poll - but fair play lads. Keep up the good work.
Good motorists think they should be rewarded for keeping to the speed limit, according to a poll.
Nearly half of drivers backed a new idea of speed cameras not only fining speeders but also randomly 'flashing' motorists observing the road limit and rewarding them with a cash payout.
The poll comes as the government unveiled new plans to hammer speeding motorists with a higher fixed penalty of six points for those breaking the limit by 20mph or more - meaning two offences could lead to an automatic 12 point ban.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
It underlines what I have been saying is needed for a long time. It makes common sense.
Instead of undermining and punishing motorists there has to be a balance to this idiot government's approach to dealing with motorists.
Don't know who did the poll - but fair play lads. Keep up the good work.
Good motorists think they should be rewarded for keeping to the speed limit, according to a poll.
Nearly half of drivers backed a new idea of speed cameras not only fining speeders but also randomly 'flashing' motorists observing the road limit and rewarding them with a cash payout.
The poll comes as the government unveiled new plans to hammer speeding motorists with a higher fixed penalty of six points for those breaking the limit by 20mph or more - meaning two offences could lead to an automatic 12 point ban.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
Monday 24 November 2008
Policing on the cheap - so make sure you love thy neighbour!
Calling this a 'road safety war' does not lessen its impact - it is policing on the cheap and should not be allowed.
The room for a disgruntled neighbour to abuse this position is just unbelievable.
Let's leave aside the fact the bloke with the speed gun will lower it when he sees friends/family; he will ensure his 'enemies' get the full reatment.
I'm really pleased that some schemes were abandoned because of disputes. I wouldn't stand for it if one of my neighbours was pointing a speed gun at me.
Should you get a 'warning letter' then just ignore it. It's worthless, just like the small-minded zealots who think up this barmy schemes.
Get proper police officers back on the roads to enforce the law - not grannies and layabouts.
* And once again the powers-that-be have opened up the drivers database for people to access private details. Unbelievable.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
This is from the Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1088718/The-speed-trap-set-neighbour--police-recruit-residents-road-safety-war.html
The speed trap set by your neighbour - police recruit residents in road safety war
Motorists will face amateur speed traps run by local volunteer groups in towns and villages across the country, it was revealed yesterday.
Under rules to be sent to police forces in the new year, bands of volunteers will be supplied with speed detection equipment and asked to use it to identify drivers exceeding limits in their area.
The guidelines, prepared by the Association of Chief Police Officers, will set a national pattern for schemes which have been trialled in some areas – often with controversy.
Drivers caught breaking limits by 'community speed watch' groups have their numberplates checked on the police national computer and are sent warning letters by police forces.
They can be targeted for prosecution if they get three letters for speeding through volunteer group traps.
Motoring organisations warned yesterday that the proposals risk setting neighbour against neighbour and encouraging vigilantism. Some trial schemes had to be abandoned after they led to disputes between local people.
The room for a disgruntled neighbour to abuse this position is just unbelievable.
Let's leave aside the fact the bloke with the speed gun will lower it when he sees friends/family; he will ensure his 'enemies' get the full reatment.
I'm really pleased that some schemes were abandoned because of disputes. I wouldn't stand for it if one of my neighbours was pointing a speed gun at me.
Should you get a 'warning letter' then just ignore it. It's worthless, just like the small-minded zealots who think up this barmy schemes.
Get proper police officers back on the roads to enforce the law - not grannies and layabouts.
* And once again the powers-that-be have opened up the drivers database for people to access private details. Unbelievable.
CG
The Motorists Friend
http://captaingatso.net
This is from the Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1088718/The-speed-trap-set-neighbour--police-recruit-residents-road-safety-war.html
The speed trap set by your neighbour - police recruit residents in road safety war
Motorists will face amateur speed traps run by local volunteer groups in towns and villages across the country, it was revealed yesterday.
Under rules to be sent to police forces in the new year, bands of volunteers will be supplied with speed detection equipment and asked to use it to identify drivers exceeding limits in their area.
The guidelines, prepared by the Association of Chief Police Officers, will set a national pattern for schemes which have been trialled in some areas – often with controversy.
Drivers caught breaking limits by 'community speed watch' groups have their numberplates checked on the police national computer and are sent warning letters by police forces.
They can be targeted for prosecution if they get three letters for speeding through volunteer group traps.
Motoring organisations warned yesterday that the proposals risk setting neighbour against neighbour and encouraging vigilantism. Some trial schemes had to be abandoned after they led to disputes between local people.
Friday 21 November 2008
Speeding laws need a new direction
There's a really good article in today's Daily Telegraph.
I like this bit:
However, ministers should be aware that these reforms will not restore the reputation of our speeding laws. The purpose of such law should be to improve the safety of our roads.
Instead, it is widely perceived as a cynical revenue earner, particularly in the bailiwicks of our more zealous chief constables.
End result? The law is no longer respected (and confidence in the police has suffered as a result).
How else can one explain the fact that an estimated 40 per cent of the nation's motorists - about 12 million Britons - have penalty points on their licences?
Only when road traffic laws are once again perceived to be about road safety, not a thinly disguised tax on the motorist, will drivers start respecting them again.
The rest is here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/11/21/dl2101.xml
With this government it's not so much about the carrot and stick approach to dealing with speeding drivers (and we can include members of the cabinet here) but more of a stick and stick approach.
My idea was that while the government punishes and takes away, why don't they give back? Look at how drivers can win back points on their licence instead of them hating speed cameras because they take away livelihoods.
Extending speed cameras is just policing by Robocop. You don't catch bad drivers, drink drivers or unlicensed drivers.
To reassure people that we aren't being taxed simply because we drive the government has to think again about what it can do.
People are taught to drive for their conditions and surroundings. Excessive speed in dangerous situations in just crazy and those drivers should be penalised.
But the government is clamping down on drivers with DECADES of accident-free motoring behind them. Are they really danger drivers who deserve to be banned from the road?
I think not but common sense has sadly been lacking from this argument since Labour came to power.
CG
http://captaingatso.net/
I like this bit:
However, ministers should be aware that these reforms will not restore the reputation of our speeding laws. The purpose of such law should be to improve the safety of our roads.
Instead, it is widely perceived as a cynical revenue earner, particularly in the bailiwicks of our more zealous chief constables.
End result? The law is no longer respected (and confidence in the police has suffered as a result).
How else can one explain the fact that an estimated 40 per cent of the nation's motorists - about 12 million Britons - have penalty points on their licences?
Only when road traffic laws are once again perceived to be about road safety, not a thinly disguised tax on the motorist, will drivers start respecting them again.
The rest is here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/11/21/dl2101.xml
With this government it's not so much about the carrot and stick approach to dealing with speeding drivers (and we can include members of the cabinet here) but more of a stick and stick approach.
My idea was that while the government punishes and takes away, why don't they give back? Look at how drivers can win back points on their licence instead of them hating speed cameras because they take away livelihoods.
Extending speed cameras is just policing by Robocop. You don't catch bad drivers, drink drivers or unlicensed drivers.
To reassure people that we aren't being taxed simply because we drive the government has to think again about what it can do.
People are taught to drive for their conditions and surroundings. Excessive speed in dangerous situations in just crazy and those drivers should be penalised.
But the government is clamping down on drivers with DECADES of accident-free motoring behind them. Are they really danger drivers who deserve to be banned from the road?
I think not but common sense has sadly been lacking from this argument since Labour came to power.
CG
http://captaingatso.net/
Thursday 20 November 2008
Blimey I'm on fire today!!
Thanks to Brian Reade in today's Daily Mirror for a mention. It's here if you are interested: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/columnists/reade/2008/11/20/why-jeremy-clarkson-is-more-annoying-than-the-speed-cameras-he-hates-115875-20909297/.
This is following up an appearance in Tuesday's Daily Star: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/58999.
And well done too to my old mate Jeremy Clarkson. Now there's a man who knows how to create headlines.
Captain Gatso
http://speedaholics.com/
Thanks to Brian Reade in today's Daily Mirror for a mention. It's here if you are interested: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/columnists/reade/2008/11/20/why-jeremy-clarkson-is-more-annoying-than-the-speed-cameras-he-hates-115875-20909297/.
This is following up an appearance in Tuesday's Daily Star: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/58999.
And well done too to my old mate Jeremy Clarkson. Now there's a man who knows how to create headlines.
Captain Gatso
http://speedaholics.com/
Clampdown on excessive speeders
Headlines like this really do worry me. This is the story:
Excessive speeders would get six penalty points. Drivers caught breaking the speed limit by a significant margin twice could be automatically banned from the roads under new government proposals.
The idea, set out in a consultation paper, is one of a range of measures aimed at the most dangerous drivers.
The document also suggests creating formal drug-drive limits in a bid to make prosecutions easier to achieve.
Now this is from an idea I flagged up nearly three years ago. Why can't good drivers be rewarded, or at least have some understanding from the system? Nu Labour being what it is has decided to flip the idea around and punish excessive speeders.
On the face of it this is a noble thing to do. Will it stop speeding? I doubt it. Motorists Against Detection aren't saying drivers should be allowed to drive at any speed - we say that drivers should use their experience and skills instead of having to keep watching their speedo - taking their eyes off the road etc.
My big worry with this is that Nu Labour will start lowering speed limits - so you'll be driving down a road that was 40mph. You haven't seen it change to 30mph and - bang - you are caught on a speed camera.
There's no indication yet, but I will lay good money that the sly bast*rds will say that if you're doing +5mph then you'll get 3 points but +10mph and you'll get 6 points.
Hurrah!
Captain Gatso
The Motorists' Friend
http://speedaholics.com/
Excessive speeders would get six penalty points. Drivers caught breaking the speed limit by a significant margin twice could be automatically banned from the roads under new government proposals.
The idea, set out in a consultation paper, is one of a range of measures aimed at the most dangerous drivers.
The document also suggests creating formal drug-drive limits in a bid to make prosecutions easier to achieve.
Now this is from an idea I flagged up nearly three years ago. Why can't good drivers be rewarded, or at least have some understanding from the system? Nu Labour being what it is has decided to flip the idea around and punish excessive speeders.
On the face of it this is a noble thing to do. Will it stop speeding? I doubt it. Motorists Against Detection aren't saying drivers should be allowed to drive at any speed - we say that drivers should use their experience and skills instead of having to keep watching their speedo - taking their eyes off the road etc.
My big worry with this is that Nu Labour will start lowering speed limits - so you'll be driving down a road that was 40mph. You haven't seen it change to 30mph and - bang - you are caught on a speed camera.
There's no indication yet, but I will lay good money that the sly bast*rds will say that if you're doing +5mph then you'll get 3 points but +10mph and you'll get 6 points.
Hurrah!
Captain Gatso
The Motorists' Friend
http://speedaholics.com/
welcome to the new blog!
Because I've had issues getting my blog at http://speedaholics.com listed in the search engines I thought I would give this a go.
If you are new to this then 'Hello' and for everyone else' 'Welcome'!
I am Gaptain Gatso, the Motorists' Friend, and the Operations Director for Motorists Against detection. That's MAD for short. You can learn more about us at the speedaholics.com website.
I'm hoping to post on a daily basis. Usually it's about motoring issues, sometimes it's about politics.
Thank you for reading.
CG
If you are new to this then 'Hello' and for everyone else' 'Welcome'!
I am Gaptain Gatso, the Motorists' Friend, and the Operations Director for Motorists Against detection. That's MAD for short. You can learn more about us at the speedaholics.com website.
I'm hoping to post on a daily basis. Usually it's about motoring issues, sometimes it's about politics.
Thank you for reading.
CG
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