Speed traps must be used appropriately: Parsley

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd May 2005

Young Alliance Chairman Ian James Parsley has called for assurances that police speed traps will be used more efficiently.

Cllr Parsley stated: "Let us be clear that speed traps are a good thing if indeed they are used, as the police claims, to stop people speeding rather than catch people speeding.

"However, people have expressed concern to me that speed traps -- whether immobile cameras or police spot checks -- are being used as a money-making device. I am certain from my communications with the police in North Down that this is not the case. But it is clear that speed traps could be more appropriately positioned.

"I would like to see more attention paid to rural single-carriageways where inappropriate speed -- even if not technically in excess of the speed limit -- is the biggest single killer on our roads. I would expect to see police checks and speed cameras far more on those than on dual carriageways where serious accidents are comparatively much rarer.

"Our roads will become much safer if both the police and drivers have confidence in each other, and if drivers can travel knowing that they will be treated fairly."

ENDS