Keep the tolerance
Stuff reports:
Police are “seriously considering” a permanent crackdown on speeding drivers by slashing the 10kmh tolerance they now allow.
The 10kmh tolerance allowed on the top speed limit of 100kmh has been cut to 4kmh over public holidays since 2010. The 4kmh tolerance is now being introduced for the rest of this month.
If the Police do go ahead with this, I expect to see some quality research showing how many crashes occur with drivers driving between 104 and 109 km/hr on open roads.
“We are of the opinion that it’s having a positive effect on the road toll. On that basis, we would be considering it very seriously.
“It will really be an evidence-based decision, it’s about an assessment of whether it saves lives.”
I hope it will be an evidence-based decision, rather than just “we are of the opinion”.
A police spokeswoman said crashes during holiday periods since the change was introduced had fallen 46 per cent.
A meaningless stat by itself, in terms of measuring the impact of the tolerance drop. How much has the crash rate fallen outside the holiday periods? Has the fall been greater during the holiday period? Has the decline in crashes been crashes with speed as a factor?
Automobile Association motoring affairs general manager Mike Noon said: “We’re not convinced that 104kmh poses any significant risk on our best roads.
Thank you Mr AA.
Dog & Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said the move would unfairly target innocent motorists, while failing to cut the road toll. “It won’t make the slightest difference.”
A high toll over the latest Christmas period showed the lower speeding tolerance did not work, he said. “Heavy policing does not lower the road toll.”
I’m not saying it won’t make any difference. I’m saying the Police have not yet made a case. Mr Matthew-Wilson does have a point that in the most recent holiday period, there was a high toll despite the tolerance drop.
UPDATE: The Police have said the reduction of the tolerance is temporary, and will not become permanent. Good.