I hate speed cameras. I've never been snapped speeding on one (touch wood) but I hate them in principle. To many motorists, including myself, they're little more than another stealth tax, especially on roads where speed limits are ridiculously low, especially at times when the roads are empty. That, and last year while road deaths at camera sites had fallen by 100, total road deaths were up 77 - so are they just moving the accidents up the road?

If I was to be asked for a contribution to HM Treasury just for doing 42 in a 40 zone I'll be less than pleased. This is why I welcome yesterday's release by the AA of their AA Big Road Atlas Britain 2005 which lists every fixed speed camera site in Britain as well as 'favourite' mobile sites. I can't find out from the net whether or not this guide covers Northern Ireland.

Anyway...

Apparently, legislators in Rio de Janeiro want to turn off speed cameras overnight in some areas of the city. Apparently, some motorists are being attacked in their slow-moving cars in areas of high crime where speed limits are as low as 25 mph. Perhaps there is a way to beat the speed cameras after all...

Disclaimer: Everything Ulster does not condone attacking people in their cars, regardless of whether or not the bastard in front of you is travelling excruciatingly slowly due to those damned cameras or because he's just too damn old to be on the road! Attacking people isn't nice, so don't do it.