Speedy complaints
From Paul Smith
Sir: The statements attributed to me by Ross Clark (Speed cameras are good for you.. 10 January) are not a true or fair representation of my position_ These statements first appeared in the Times on 16 December 2003 and are the subject of a complaint (PCC ref: 033602).
In particular, no credible or serious death threats had been made against Mary Williams. The comments referred to were later described by the police as follows: 'The comments made did not constitute a threat to kill and no further action will be taken.'
Ben Webster (Times journalist) was fully aware that my statement depended entirely on contextual factors: a) I didn't believe for a second that the 'death threats' were serious.
b) I'm aware that many of the users of the Pistonheads site believe (as I do) that speed-camera policy is causing a great deal of loss of life.
c) To make joke threats about Mary Williams is indeed a mild reaction considering that she is vocal in support of a policy which is responsible for much loss of life.
I am extremely sorry that you have been caught up in this, and I quite understand that you are entirely innocent victims of incorrect information published elsewhere, but my reputation, as a serious researcher and road-safety campaigner, is important to me and I must defend it.
Paul Smith
www.safespeed.orR.uk
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