Average means to halt tragic ends

TODAY, The Scotsman reveals that Scottish ministers are considering locating average-speed cameras for the first time in built-up areas. In theory, such cameras will prevent motorists from "surfing"; in other words, braking before a known speed camera and then accelerating afterwards.

Some will see this as a further extension of the nanny state. There is also evidence that average-speed cameras divert drivers' attention from the road ahead to their speedometers. In an urban context, if widely used, the deterrent effect of the came...