JUST because something is legal does not necessarily mean it is right. A case in point is a new Facebook page set up to tip-off motorists to the location of mobile speed cameras and random breath testing stations in the Orange and Bathurst regions.
In less than a month the page has attracted more than 1800 members who send messages to each other letting drivers know which areas of town to avoid.
They’re doing nothing wrong in doing so, and police admit this. But it’s hard to see just what possible good could come from the existence of such a page.
At best, it’s an irritation to police officers who are just trying to do their job. At worst, it could encourage drink-drivers to take their chances behind the wheel, safe in the knowledge that RBT units can’t be in two places at once.
If the website says there is an RBT on one street, then they know which part of town to avoid. And anything that might give drink-drivers the confidence to try their luck can’t be a good thing.
Of course, shutting down the page is not really an option for police.
There is no law against disseminating this sort of information, and nor should there be. One thing we do not need is misguided legislation that seeks to curtail freedom of speech.
What is needed is for all drivers to realise - and accept the responsibility that comes with holding a licence.
Our roads should not be a battleground between police and motorists where drivers seek to take any advantage they can to avoid being penalised for bad behaviour. Rather, drivers should be working with police to make the roads safer for all. This website does nothing to foster that relationship, so should be ignored by anyone serious about safety.
