Caught By The Traffic Nazis

I think the very first thing I shall do once I take over the wonderful but poorly managed planet is to order the immediate destruction of 99% of those facist speed cameras!

Courtesy of our regional constabulary, I have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution for an alleged speeding offence.

Now let me make one thing perfectly clear. I do not think speeding is right and I think that those who do should be reprimanded - but it should be done fairly, following correct and proper legal processes, and the government should be honest about their reasons for having the cameras!

First of all, cameras outside schools, playgrounds, residential areas - fair enough. But when they are on open stretches of dual carriageways - they are just local government cash machines. Statistics have shown that they DO NOT reduce levels of accidents but DO provided an income of over £70million pounds per year (probably more now since that figure is a couple of years old). So why are the government telling us that they are there for our safety? What a load of tripe.

Now once you do get caught (which can be literally walking speed over the limit), the police try to bully you into accepting it without going through due legal process. The police and CPS become obstructive when you ask for evidence (i.e. if you intend to defend yourself in court - a basic human right - then they have to disclose they evidence against you) quoting data protection and copyright acts (neither of which apply) as reasons why they can't give you the video or pictures of your alleged offence. Disturbing isn't it when the police and Crown Prosecution Service are lying to the People in order to tip the balance in their favour! They will keep waving a conditional offer at you basically saying "own up like a good little citizen and we will go easy on you - but if you want to stand up for yourself we are going to make it difficult for you punish you much more severely".

If I had murdered someone, i would be entitled to free legal counsel and every tiny piece of evidence against me would be tested to see if it was sound. But as this is just a minor offence it seems that due legal process doesn't apply anymore, especially since they can make a few quid out of it at the same time.

The other point is - cameras are not a replacement for proper policing! A camera does not show discretion which I like to think that a police patrol would. Lets face it there is speeding and there is speeding. I don't think you can compare doing 33 in a 30 area with doing 60 in a 40 for example.

IF (and I do mean if) I was speeding then I will accept the consequences, it just really makes me angry how the police and government just seem to trample over our rights and lie while they are doing it. However, for now Isuppose I will take the "easy" option they give me to pay my fine and get a few points - but rest assured they I will remember this, and once I'm in power retribution will be had.

Long live Captain Gatso and MAD - keep up the sterling work. Your efforts will be rewarded one day!

Ta ta!
Chris -Crusader Against Injustice

NOW! That's What I Call A Revolution #1

Greetings Pop Pickers,

Since we will be having ourselves a jolly little revolution at some point I think we are going to need a soundtrack. So here is it, the first officially endorsed soundtrack to the forthcoming revolution! I'm sure I will think of many more appropriate songs so doubtless there will be further releases. Watch this space!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy them and they inspire you to "Fight The Power" and all that. Incidentally, for those delicate types amongst you, please be aware that the song "City Hall" by Tenacious D does contain rather a lot of effing and jeffing! I think the rest are pretty much safe.

Tatty Bye,
Chris The Suspiciously Minty.