HOW could the secretary of an advanced motorists group get it so wrong?

Stephen Bagwell (Bury Times, 24/6/05) praises the "speed" cameras on Peel Way for their part in controlling traffic changing lanes etc, on the approach to the Woodfields retail Park on Peel Way.

First Mr Bagwell, the cameras are positioned on each carriageway after the pedestrian crossing and entrance to the retail park. These particular cameras are one of the worst examples of cameras being used for revenue earning. Facing away from the potential danger spot, they catch motorists accelerating away from the traffic lights along a fenced-in stretch of carriageway on both sides where there should not be any pedestrians.

Whatever the merits and arguments about speed cameras, these particular ones do not conform to any of the oft-stated criteria for their use.

To the best of my knowledge and recollection there has only been one fatality at that crossing and no other accidents to speak of since the crossing was installed on the opening of the retail park and the reduction of the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph.

It is a truly ludicrous situation that with all the delays, talk of safety criteria and controversy about Bolton Road, Radcliffe, that these two cameras on Peel Way continue in such a totally incorrect position and against all the known and accepted conditions and criteria.

ANTHONY MANN