Speeding fine for head of traffic

April 30, 2004

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The head of Greater Manchester Police force's traffic unit has been fined and received six penalty points on his licence after driving more than 100mph on a motorway.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas was caught doing 104mph on the M6 toll road.

He was fined '450 and had his licence endorsed by North Staffordshire Magistrates sitting at Stoke.

Thomas said: "On the day in question, the driving and road conditions were good and I was part of a group of around 15 cars all doing around the same speed.

"I considered that my manner of driving was safe.

"However, exceeding the speed limit by this amount is unacceptable and I sincerely regret my error of judgment.

"Excessive speed is a contributory factor in many road traffic incidents and it is everyone's duty to drive safely and at a reasonable speed at all times.

"I remain committed to reducing the number of serious road traffic accidents that occur in Greater Manchester."

A Force spokeswoman said: "Mr Thomas is responsible for traffic duties at Greater Manchester Police and that responsibility will remain."

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Dave, Manchester (30/04/2004 at 09:22)

I can't believe the uproar in the press about this.

EVERYONE has speeded in their lifetime, policemen, judges, teachers, doctors, everyone!

He's speeded, paid a fine and that should be it. Why should a decent policeman, who's done a lot for Greater Manchester lose his job?
Greater Manchester shouldn't have to suffer losing a decent copper so the media can make headlines from it for a day.

Frank, Manchester (30/04/2004 at 10:46)

Its absurd that the ACC received 6 points and a B#450 fine. Penalties for speeding offences are now applied with little understanding of the cirumstances associated with the offence. In this instance, a well respected member of society with good judgement, was driving what was probably a well enginered, safe vehicle in clear conditions with little traffic on the M6 toll road. Where was the risk to human life? Vehicles are now capable of travelling at increased speed, but also capable of stopping in shorter distances, since the limits on roads were set. Why shouldnt speed limits be adjusted accordingly, particularly on motorways? On a non related note, the government should spend more time and dedicate more resources to other issues.

Richard Everard, Withington (30/04/2004 at 11:09)

Given the Assistant Chief Constable's mitigation that he was" one of 15 other cars doing over 100 mph". I wonder if any of the other drivers were pulled over & prosecuted ? If they were, it would be interesting to know their punishment & if their mitigation was that they were only keeping up with Manchester's Assistant Chief Constable. The man's a disgrace to the uniform he hides behind & should be sacked immediately.
Also if the car he was driving comes with his salary, it should be taken off him before he is tempted to play "boy racer" again at 104 mph, endangering innocent road users & their families.

Susan, Rossendale (30/04/2004 at 11:21)

I was fined and received 3 Penalty points for doing 33mph in a 30mph zone. This was at a quiet time of day with no pedestrians and was pureley due to road conditions as I speeded up slightly to pass a Bus parked at a stop. The explanatory letter which I sent was obviously ignored, and the Police attitude was abysmal. You have to be joking to think its OK for a policeman to flout the law. I am sick of this country he should resign!!! we make scapegoats of individuals for saying 1 wrong word- lets do the same to tbis man!!

Alec, Blackpool (30/04/2004 at 11:49)

The suggested penalty for exceeding limit by more than 30 mph is fine, points and short disqualification. Why wasn't his licence suspended?

Rick, Manchester (03/05/2004 at 20:57)

Research in the US showed that when the speed limit was increased from 55mph to 65mph on highways (motorways), not only did the incidence of collisions and crashes increase, but so did the severity of injuries as well - ie the numbers killed and seriously injured. Please take note Frank.

Howard, Stockport (05/05/2004 at 01:40)

Why would anyone speed up slightly to pass a bus parked at a bus stop. Does'nt sound very plausible to me Susan, and obviously no one was very impressed by your lame excuse. Any sensible and considerate driver would do exactly the opposite - ie slow down in anticipation of someone walking out in front of the bus, especially kids. And just how, and in what manner exactly, was the attitude of the police abysmal?

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