Readers' letters

OVER the last week there has been a great deal of media interest in the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership and the work that we are currently undertaking. I would like to take this opportunity to respond and hopefully to put the record straight. We recently released survey results which showed that 85 per cent of people in Dorset support the use of safety cameras. I would like to make it absolutely clear that this survey was carried out by an independent and reputable survey company. For those challenging the sample size of this survey, perhaps I can reassure them that 500 respondents is indeed seen as a representative sample. The company that carried out these surveys is expert in its field and knows how to profile an accurate sample. Street interviews were carried out in Blandford, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole, Shaftesbury and Weymouth, which reflects an accurate cross-section of Dorset. Those who argue against the use of safety cameras are in the minority. The survey clearly shows that 85 per cent support the use of safety cameras. In my opinion this demonstrates that people do understand what the partnership is trying to achieve: the reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on Dorset's roads. We have also been challenged as to how many of those surveyed were drivers. I can confirm that 84 per cent were in fact drivers. So the majority of these views are coming from motorists who are well aware of the consequences of inappropriate speeds. Some of the comments that I have read recently seem to be forgetting that breaking the speed limit is illegal and can have drastic consequences, such as injury and death. Another area that needs to be addressed is the misconception that the aim of the partnership is cash generation. The partnership is required to produce an operational case each year that includes a budget for the operation of the partnership and the casualty reduction targets for the county. The money collected from fines goes straight to the Lord Chancellor's department and from this fund the partnership is able to claim back the agreed budget for the operation of the partnership for that year. Money claimed back is used to cover the expenses of the partnership and is put towards education, engineering and enforcement measures to reduce collisions throughout the county. The use of safety cameras is part of the overall road safety plan, and other initiatives, such as education and engineering, are also playing a major part in driving down the number of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads. Statistics show that one-third of all accidents are as a result of speeding, and it is this figure that we are aiming to reduce. PAT GARRETT Head of Fixed Penalties Dorset Safety Camera Partnership

PEOPLE DON'T MATTER, IT'S THE REVENUE THAT COUNTS

HAVING read the article regarding the speed camera survey, I must say that although I agree that when they are in the appropriate position cameras have got to be an asset in any road safety campaign, I feel most are positioned purely for the collection of the maximum revenue. If you have been caught in one of these traps - even though you may not be a dangerous driver or you are just over the speed limit - no consideration is given to any arguments put forward in defence of the driver's previous record, whether good or bad. Whenever you venture on to the road you can witness inconsiderate, illegal and very often dangerous driving, yet a clean licence makes no difference to these particular revenue collectors. There was a time when the police, who are after all servants of the public, would guide, help, educate and, if appropriate, give you a warning. Unfortunately, not any more as there's no profit in giving advice. I fail to see how the Safety Camera Partnership's Pat Garrett can claim the that cameras are working, in terms of persuading people to drive slower, when thousands of motorists are being caught and the numbers caught are increasing. I live in a small Dorset village and for years local people have been trying unsuccessfully to get traffic calming installed on the approaches. Although at times many children are playing there are no pavements or street lighting and apparently we don't even qualify for speed limit signs, and certainly not a speed camera. Unfortunately, we do get the impression that people don't matter any more - it's the revenue that counts. D DOWNTON Dewlish

MAJOR STEP TO BUILD YOI MORALE

HAVING read Saturday's Echo Page 1 story ('YOI officers slam bosses') I can only say that I am in total sympathy with the staff at Portland Young Offender Institution. I served at the establishment from its Borstal days through to the Young Offender stage and retired in a senior rank. My position took me to all departments of the establishment and I knew all the staff by name and by character. The regime was fair but firm, the staff and inmates knew where they stood and there were few 'grey areas' on either side. I doubt that this is the case now. There was previously a good rapport between staff and inmates and the establishment was run efficiently - and, I think it is fair to say, not without a little humour on both sides. At no time was there any maltreatment or bullying of inmates, and a lot more care and support was given to their charges by the staff than the staff ever got from the Prison Department. Having still some contact with staff at the YOI, I know the effect that these 'ill treatment' allegations from former inmates have had. Staff feel unsupported and un-cared-for and I am afraid it will take a major step on the Prison Department's side to build up morale and trust again. KEN ROBINS Augusta Road, Portland

PERUVIANS SEND THANKS FOR ROOM FUNDS

MANY local people have given money to our small charity WAWA, which tries to improve the lives of some of the poor of Peru, a country with which we have business and social connections. In 2003 the total raised was the equivalent of 2,500 US dollars. This has been allocated to building a community room in one of the three remote mountain communities WAWA has been supporting. The villagers were asked how they want the money spent and this was the project they requested. We laid the first stone in a traditional ceremony attended by the mayor, the president and members of the local council and many members of the communities involved. The building work will commence in April, once the rainy season is over. Everyone there asked us to convey their gratitude and to assure you that they have wanted a community room for everyone's use for many years. Now, in 2004, it will be built, thanks to your generosity. And to start us off in 2004 the Arioso Ensemble have asked that a donation from the money raised at their concert in Abbostbury Church on Saturday, March 20 goes to WAWA. Thank you to the Arioso Ensemble. CHRIS and MARY BUNNEY Quipu Brewers Quay Weymouth

EXCELLENT JOB, RANGERS

I HAVE always thought, as I drive around Dorset, what an excellent job the Dorset Countryside Ranger Service do in protecting our footpaths for walkers and ramblers. In Dorset the rights of way are clearly marked and kept up to date by excellent signposting, etc. Well done John Hayes and the Dorset Countryside Rangers. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated. D JULIAN Old Castle Road, Weymouth