I WRITE with reference to the (almost) unnoticed erection of not one, but two, new speed enforcement cameras on Peel Way, Bury, near the Tesco traffic lights, and I ask: why are they there?

There can be only two reasons to erect speed cameras: firstly, as a safety measure at accident blackspots and, secondly, to raise cash for the local police force. As far as I can see, there are no safety issues to be addressed at these sites on Peel Way.

My conclusion, therefore, is that they are there purely as revenue-earners for Greater Manchester Police. Apparently, local police forces are now allowed to keep the money earned in fines by these cameras instead of the cash going to the Treasury, as before.

I would make the following points.

Peel Way has a "natural" speed of 40mph. Apparently the speed limit was reduced to 30mph a few months ago but I have yet to see any signs advising of the new limit. They are simply not there! But the cameras will be set at 30mph.

There are three sets of traffic lights within three-quarters-of-a-mile, providing a natural barrier to excessive speed. I cannot remember the last time that I saw an accident on this particular stretch of road and even accidents at the traffic lights are very rare. So the safety argument disintegrates straight away.

But what about pedestrians crossing the road? Fine, then the cameras should be sited before the Tesco traffic lights, and not 200 yards after them.

One of the cameras is also hidden by a newly-erected blue sign. If cameras were a genuine safety-related feature then GMP would follow Portsmouth's lead and paint them day-glo yellow for all to see!

If Greater Manchester Police really are erecting cameras on safety grounds then why have these two devices not been put in places of genuine risk, like outside Fishpool Primary School on Parkhills Road? Here there is a highly unusual 20mph speed limit that no one seems to know about. Even the Fishpool residents are saying that speed bumps don't work.

Put cameras there, that will slow drivers (and raise money, too, because no one seems to know about the speed limit).

Britain has the highest incidence of speed enforcement cameras in Europe. Last year, the number of people killed by drink-drivers was up by 12 per cent to 520 whilst the number of breath tests carried out by police patrols was down by 15 per cent.

So tell me again how the proliferation of speed enforcement cameras is a safety feature?

CHRIS SHERIDAN,

Brandlesholme Road,

Bury.