The realities of modern life have finally disturbed the tranquillity of
Alderney, the most northerly of the Channel Islands. Magistrates on the
island, which covers an area of barely three square miles (8 sq km), have
handed out their first speeding ticket.
Paul Harrisson, 62, a marine lawyer, is the unlucky motorist who has received
a £75 fine for being clocked doing 27mph in a 15mph zone outside a school.
The maximum speed on the island’s ten miles of driveable roads is 35mph.
Alderney is only ten miles off the French coast but life for its 2,400
population is very different from that on the Gallic mainland. But Mr
Harrisson is as indignant as any Frenchman at being caught, and has voiced
his opinion of the island’s tiny police force.
The lawyer, who has been driving for 40 years, was caught by a radar gun
wielded by PC Malcolm Messenger, one of the island's two constables. Mr
Harrisson last night accused him of being British.
“I am afraid this man is a UK traffic cop over here to earn a medal for
himself. We have a tradition of discretion on the island but perhaps he
isn’t quite used to island ways. He is known locally as PC Laptop, because
he is a tiny PC.” Constable and victim had been chatting amicably in a bar
at lunchtime, and the subject of speeding had come up.
“Half an hour later I was driving down Newtown Road and he jumped out from
behind a wall,” Mr Harrisson said. “I was slowing down because I wanted to
turn right but I nearly ran him over. If I had done, there might not have
been a case. I think 27mph was a gross exaggeration; it wouldn’t surprise me
if his radar gun was faulty.”
PC Messenger, an experienced traffic officer with Thames Valley Police who
moved to Alderney from Milton Keynes in 2003, said: “There have been
concerns locally about speeding, and after talking to the public
consultation group I began checks last September using a Falcon radar
device. This is the first court case arising from the checks.
“We are doing our best to stop people speeding. I have dealt with a couple of
accidents where people have been injured.”
Every time that I have been to Alderney to visit my family, I have not only witnessed stupid speeds on the narrow roads, but also incidences of drunk-driving. I was told by one of the locals that this sort of the thing was "the Alderney way of life". Do these people - the speeders and drunks - think they are above the law? I hope that they never have the misfortune to see a body after it has been hit by, or thrown from, a car. I love the Island, but in many ways it's not as safe as it used to be.
Ellie, Cardiff, UK
Accidents at speeds up to 27mph??!! Maniacs! Did anyone survive??!!
Scott Millson, Toronto, Canada