Norfolk: PCC Says Sorry For Speeding Comments

24 April 2013, 11:23 | Updated: 24 April 2013, 11:31

Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Bett is saying sorry for his comments about speeding.

Stephen Bett had been criticised by motoring groups after saying skilled drivers should be allowed to drive as fast as they like.

He's issued a statement apologising for his  "tongue-in-cheek'' comments, saying his serious message about the confusion created by too many road signs had been lost.

During the interview last week, Mr Bett said he would like to see speed limits on motorways and other major roads abolished.

"We ought to drive to road conditions rather than set limits,'' he said.

"The problem is that there are so many signs drivers get mesmerised by them.''

Asked how fast people should be allowed to drive, Mr Bett replied: "It depends on the driver - if you've got a Formula One racing driver, well, you can go flat out.

"If he was a racing driver and really, really good and had tremendous reflexes, probably as fast as the car will go.''

In a statement Mr Bett said that with hindsight his message about the clutter associated with road signs had been lost in his "flippant'' comments about speeding.

He added: "I fully acknowledge that speed is regarded as a contributory factor in determining the outcome of collisions.

"My comments were not meant to be offensive.

"I have been out with roads policing officers, and I have lost a close personal friend in a collision, and therefore understand the misery and heartbreak that follow loss of life and serious injury on our roads.''

After the interview, a spokesman for the Guild of Experienced Motorists described Mr Bett's comments as "nonsense''.

David Quarmby, chairman of the RAC Foundation, said: "While Stephen Bett may be mesmerised by varying speed limits, there is no evidence to suggest the average driver is.''