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Can They Be Held Account?

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TWR | 07:16 Thu 20th Aug 2015 | Law
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A report was made to the local police regards the excess speed over 20mph on our road, 8 weeks ago it was reported & logged, the police said they would send down mobile cameras (They have not) If a serious accident occurred can the police be held to account?
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I think what you are suggesting, TWR, is that the police have been told (and accept) that speeding occurs in a particular road. You then extend your argument to suggest that, should an incident occur as a result of excess speed which causes serious damage or injury, they (the police) must accept responsibility for it. (I assume that’s what you mean by...
11:31 Thu 20th Aug 2015
This is something your local elected councillor should deal with - make an appointment to meet with the councillor on the problem street at a typical time of speeding (eg is it happening at rush hour) and ask them to observe.
Then follow this up with a written account of your meeting in a letter to the councillor, describing what you both saw, and asking for action to prevent motorists speeding. Make useful suggestions to the councillor, like a leaflet campaign in the area, more prominent warning signs, and a few lightning-strike speed traps.

Ask the councillor to keep you updated on the progress of the request.

Lastly, in this little suburb we had no safe crossings for schoolkids (or anyone) on a road that was notionally 30 mph but usually 40-50 mph. Council did nowt about it. The mothers made three rush-hour protests, blocking the road with a 'moving crossing' of families walking back and forth. each incident lasted less than 5 minutes ie by the time anyone in authority arrived, eveyone had faded away.
This was before smartphones so if it is a tactic you and others choose to adopt, I suggest getting yourselves some UK anonumous type masks!

We got two safe crossing points and a speed camera as a result.
I think what you are suggesting, TWR, is that the police have been told (and accept) that speeding occurs in a particular road. You then extend your argument to suggest that, should an incident occur as a result of excess speed which causes serious damage or injury, they (the police) must accept responsibility for it. (I assume that’s what you mean by “held to account”).

As has been said, not a chance. To ensure this did not happen the road would have to be policed 24/7 and all motorists caught speeding stopped. Clearly impractical and furthermore the argument could be applied to any area where the police know that speeding regularly occurs.

The police often know that a particular crime is prevalent in some areas. You often see “Pickpockets operate in this area. Hang on to your wallets and handbags.” If your argument held water the police (knowing that theft takes place) would be liable to compensate any and all victims of theft in that area.

Clearly a non-runner.
Have you considered the Community Speed Watch Scheme, assuming your local Council and Police are taking part in it.
You get together with a few locals who are provided with training, hi viz jackets, and equipment, clock the speeding cars, take registration numbers, they then get an official letter, if the vehicle re-offends a visit from the police letting them know 'their reg is marked'.
Knowing you could pop up at any time, would hopefully make the regulars think twice, and slow them down.

///A report was made to the local police///

By whom? was it an Official Body or was it just from Mr Angry of Lancs, is it backed by Evidence from an accurately calibrated camera or just 'he looked like he was speeding to me?'
Has there actually been an RTI?

If there hasn't been an incident then you will be low down the priority list of where to place the mobile camera vehicles on their schedule of places to visit.
New Judge for best answer.
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NJ, Exactly what I meant.

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