Greedy Bath needs taking down a peg
What exactly is the problem with Bath?
Is it so greedy that it wants to make millions more from exploiting the visitors and tourists that are its vital lifeblood, adding unavoidable taxes to its already high prices? Or does it actively resent the presence of outsiders and wish to drive them away?
I ask because I have just paid £90 for a series of minor driving infractions that in most other cities would never be noticed, caught out like so many others by the traffic cameras while we try to navigate the maze of Bath's streets.
At no point were the signs or cameras spotted; at no time was it clear that a crime was being committed; all was automated, secret, shameful, as the city snooped with hostile intent on those stupid enough to venture into its jaws.
Am I wrong or could it be that the cameras have been deliberately placed not to improve traffic flow but generate maximum income with signs so carefully designed that they blend in with the forest of street signage with which the city has already covered itself?
Bath creates crimes that are hard to query or deny without being both an expert on the city and a traffic law specialist. It uses penalty notices that punish delay with extra costs so one is forced to confess – like a totalitarian show trial – to crimes you were not aware you had committed?
In this way, the city of arrogance preys on busy travellers, foreigners, the elderly and those new to the city with a toll tax so high that it is hard to see how pensioners, students or those on low incomes could afford it – or is that all part of the careful plan to exclude the lower orders from intruding on Bath's hallowed ground of wealth and privilege?
Whatever the motive, these cameras are clearly an abuse of power by a council unresponsive to those it exploits or to those in whose name it claims to govern.
Time to take the city that never listens down a peg or two, by taking away the only thing it values: cold hard cash.
Until the traffic cameras rust or are removed, the simple answer to these high-tech highwaymen is to boycott Bath.
NICK CATER Langport Somerset
12 Comments
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by anoymous1
Friday, July 08 2011, 5:55PM
“i agree. as a mother of two small toddlers residing in bath who literlaly 'popped' into a shop to buy a birthday present for their fath and was no longer than twenty minutes and whom was practically terrorised into paying £130 for a parking ticket in an area where i genuinely did not see any signs and did not have a ticket on my car!!
i have lived in the city most of my life and i NEVER shop theree now. much better to go to bristol where it is cheaper, bigger and you can park practically outside the shops in many places!”
by James, In my car paying attention. Where ever I am
Saturday, September 11 2010, 5:56PM
“JC writes - I think the fact that so many drivers get caught suggests that there is a problem. I'd agree but would suggest the problem is people think that it won't really hurt and I'll not get caught. Just like yellow lines that so many driver appear blind to, the usual if some one else does it they are selfish and dangerous drivers, but me well it's just a second or so and it is unlikely that an ambulance or fire appliance will need to get through. No different to speed cameras - do not want to pay the tax do not speed or pay better attention, they are either big yellow things or a vehicle oddly parked. All it needs is proper observation skills.”
by JC, Bath
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 8:55PM
“Of course James, I bet you would spot that so easily as you try and work out where you are going and avoid jay-walkers. I think the fact that so many drivers get caught suggests that there is a problem. As for Gloucester Quays, I nearly got caught by that one. Pretty clever really, put up totally inadequate signs, then you have the choice of risking a fine, or turning round whilst avoiding pedestrians.”
by James, Bath
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 6:40PM
“If BANES put down a red carpet over the brown tarmac and Bus and Taxis 1.5 metre text, sprayed please use this road over the bus lane sign and an out of order sign beneath both camera signs yes it would be entrapment but get real any one of the signs (except the camera sign should be enough). All too much like saying sorry I did see you to the motorcyclist lying on the road. Your poor driving your responsibility.”
by Mike, bATH
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:16PM
“ADDENDUM
The opinion of the Lords of Appeal in a case of state entrapment”
by Mike Mapstone, Bath
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:15PM
“ADDENDUM
The opinion of the Lords of Appeal in a case of state entrapment”
by Mike Mapstone, Bath
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:12PM
“Every court has an inherent power and duty to prevent abuse of its process. This is a fundamental principle of the rule of law. By recourse to this principle courts ensure that executive agents of the state do not misuse the coercive, law enforcement functions of the courts and thereby oppress citizens of the state. Entrapment, with which these two appeals are concerned, is an instance where such misuse may occur. It is simply not acceptable that the state through its agents should lure its citizens into committing acts forbidden by the law and then seek to prosecute them for doing so. That would be entrapment. That would be a misuse of state power, and an abuse of the process of the courts. The unattractive consequences, frightening and sinister in extreme cases, which state conduct of this nature could have are obvious. The role of the courts is to stand between the state and its citizens and make sure this does not happen.
For Agents of the State read BANES Council and it says it all”
by James, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 10:10PM
“A standard bus lane sign, two camera signs and brown tarmac with Bus and Taxis in 1.5 metre text - how much more do you need? How about a policeman standing holding their hand up. Perhaps better for other motorist would a policeman stopping you at the end of the road and nicking you for driving without due care and attention. You got caught and, for you, luckily got away with a fine. For the rest of us not so lucky. Yes it's a tax but only on the inattentive/unsafe driver - drive with your eyes open equals no tax easy.”
by nb, bath
Sunday, September 05 2010, 8:47AM
“It's worth noting that Gloucester Quays have great big signs that say you will get a £60 fine if you cross this bridge. Clever idea hiding signs behind hanging baskets as shown by Daniel's blog. Think this could catch on, e.g to 'accidentally' hide speed cameras - perhaps not as BANES don't get the money”
by Daniel, Outside Bath
Saturday, September 04 2010, 8:38PM
“Woops wrong address. This is the correct one: http://danielvaughan.com/blog/?p=178”