‘Phantom’? Isn’t that a real speed cop standing on the edge of the Pewsey Road in the middle of Rushall? Clad in yellow High Viz jacket, leather biking trousers and boots, Police full-face helmet and holding what clearly looks to be a speed camera? Kitted out just like any other motorcycle policeman, wearing just what any bike speed cop might wear, anywhere. And sighting down a speed camera to catch the oncoming driver.
The Rushall ‘speed cop’ looks real. Very real. But they didn’t move, and they didn’t answer any of the questions asked. Just like the Bearskin capped Guardsmen we see outside the entrance to Buckingham Palace. They don’t move, talk or react to the public either.
But if the Rushall Speed Cop is a fake, it’s a very well conceived and executed fake and if any driver unfamiliar with the presence of this ‘person’ was driving through Rushall, even within the 30mph limit they will check their speed and slow. If going more than 30 and not even noticing the ‘Speed Cop’ with camera, it won’t be long before they get nicked for speeding elsewhere.
Effective? Very probably. And likely more effective than some of the SID (Speed Indicator Devices) sited elsewhere in other villages and towns. Those can also be effective as a warning to drivers, but less so when they turn to red and give a warning message to a driver going at well under the prevailing speed limit, as is the case in nearby Hilcot where the SID gives a ‘disapproving’ red message and warning even when the car is driving at well under the set 40mph limit. SID displays are generally very useful and give warning, but if not linked to and reflecting an actual limit, likely to be ignored.
But in Rushall, are you as a driver willing to take the risk to exceed the 30mph limit? Maybe the figure (and speed gun) is real………?
Guy Fawkes night – keep clear of the animals and thatched cottages
