WITH numerous stories about speed cameras being introduced on to our roads, I wonder if readers are aware of a study by Bristol Police in the early 1970s, well before the number of speed cameras and traffic lights had gone ballistic across the whole country.

The study concerned drivers' behaviour and the impact on them of traffic lights at major junctions. The study lasted a whole month and they had all traffic lights switched off.

At the end of the study, they found that driving standards improved and drivers were learning to become more courteous by “giving way”, they arrived at work less frustrated and agitated, there were fewer accidents through better driving and not light jumping; drivers were allowing oncoming traffic to cross in front of them (more courteous) and generally became more pleasant at the start and at the end of each day.

Sadly Bristol Police concluded that they could not be the only city in the country without traffic lights and had them restored. They have grown everywhere without stopping since.

If, like me, you believe that traffic lights and cameras are growing relentlessly and uncontrolled everywhere this survey could form the basis of a wake-up call for the powers that be.

Maybe, what we need is a raising of driving standards and for all drivers to acquire IAM membership five or 10 years after passing their driving test.

Bill Baker