One recent lunchtime I decided to take a drive over the water from Dundee to St Andrews with my grandson.
As I came through the village of Guardbridge, I turned left at the roundabout and made my way over the bridge and up the hill heading out of the village.
It was then I noticed something reflective in the hedge ahead of me as I approached the national speed limit signs.
As I got closer, I could see that it was a Fife Police mobile speed camera van. Whilst it is usually good to see the police out to enforce road safety, I was rather disappointed by the tact of the camera operator in this case.
The van was parked behind a long hedgerow in such a way that most of it was out of sight behind the hedge, leaving the camera window on the driver’s side rear door of the van only just in view.
Sneaky I thought, and perhaps if this was an accident black spot or coming into a built up area and not out of one, I would have understood the logic. However, it is neither and I would also find it hard to be convinced this was in the interest of road safety.
I continued my journey to St Andrews eagerly looking at every bush and tree at the side of the road almost expecting a traffic cop to jump out with a speed gun.
On my return journey to Dundee, I again passed through Guardbridge and this time the speed camera van had gone. However in its place were a set of deep muddy tyre marks across the otherwise well kept grass area where the camera van had manoeuvred into its tight hiding place between the hedge and a nearby road sign. — Disappointed Speed Watcher.
Accidents concern
I am not a driver, but I would say 50% of the drivers on our roads are reckless and dangerous due to speeding.
When you hear about advice given so often by police, then you hear of fatal accidents caused through speedsters or drunk drivers, it is very worrying.
People have to start taking advice for their own sake and for the sake of others. — Jimmy Borland, Dundee.
Rabbie rhyme
Rabbie’s statue in Dundee’s Albert Square.
I was interested to read in the Tele that Asda is searching for a tribute poem to Rabbie Burns as it is the 250th anniversary of his birth.
When I was a kid in the 50s, we all knew the ditty that went:
Rabbie Burns was born in Ayr,
Now he stands in Albert Square;
If you want to see him there,
Take the bus and pay your fare.
Not quite a tribute poem but it brought a smile to the face of a non-Dundonian when I told her.
Do kids in Dundee still know the rhyme? — Rabbie Fan.
Support for teacher
I have known suspended Dundee teacher Mike Barile and his wife for three years. He spent considerable time travelling up and down to Glasgow visiting my daughter at his own expense, in his own time, and unselfishly arranged many fund-raising events.
My daughter attended Lawside for two or three years, suffering bullying and little or nothing was done by the school.
I doubt it will be any better at St Paul’s as the same management is in place.
Keep your head up Mike, you have a lot of support out here. — G. Hird.
Sad state of affairs
It’s a sad state of affairs when someone who has devoted an adult life to teaching our children is forced out of their job, a home and city.
The case against Dundee teacher Mike Barile was a prime example of everything that is wrong with the UK.
I sincerely hope he wins his appeal and wish him the best of luck in the future. — The Watcher.
Not deserved
Like most people, I was pleased to see so many Scots receiving deserved recognition in the New Year’s Honours List.
However, I can’t understand why any award should be given to Alex Stephen, the chief executive of Dundee City Council.
He has presided over, along with Labour administrations, a period that has seen the demise of a once great and prosperous city.
He receives a salary in excess of £100,000 and will retire with a more than comfortable pension.
I am sure that there are many hard working council employees who over the years have made a contribution to the welfare of Dundee citizens and who deserve an award far more than Mr Stephen. — Not Surprised, Dundee.
Busy period
Before Christmas I was in a well-known shop in Dundee city centre. I was in buying two cosmetic items (£40 x 2) £80 and, while I was browsing, I spotted a half price remote- controlled car at £28, bringing my total purchase to £108.
The queue was very long at the main till, so I approached the cosmetics counter. Before I had time to lay my purchases on it I was told, “Can’t pay for that here”. The item referred to was the car. I asked why not, and was told, “Cosmetics only, read the sign”.
Indeed the sign did say so but also stated “during busy periods”. As there were three staff looking at their reflection in their nail polish, I presumed it wasn’t their busy period. — Andy Walker.
Looking for bus
I am a bus enthusiast trying to find a 1957 Bedford coach with Plaxton 29 seat body (possibly a Plaxton Consort body).
The registration number is 460 ETB and I have been led to believe it may be owned by someone living in the Dundee area.
It’s now possibly a caravan so the owner may be living in it. The coach was one of two supplied new to coach operator Warburton’s of Bury, Lancashire.
Any leads to the vehicle would be of help. Telephone 01223 843802. — John Wakefield, Leeway Avenue, Great Shelford, Cambridge.
Junkies treated better
My partner took unwell at New Year and NHS24 refused to send out a doctor.
We had to go to Wallacetown Health Centre, Dundee, and I then had to take her to Ninewells Hospital as her condition was life- threatening.
I believe junkies are treated better than this. — Upset, Dundee.
Shame on you
Around 9.30pm last Tuesday my husband made a stop at the shops at the top of Spey Drive, Dundee, Returning he found two black lines spray-painted along the length of our car.
To the person or persons who did this, shame on you. Have you nothing better to do?
We cannot afford to have our car re-sprayed. How would you feel if this had been your car or any piece of your property? — D. G.
Key pledge
Dualling the A9 was a key SNP manifesto pledge at the May 2007 election.
Campaigners, including those who voted SNP on the back of this promise, didn’t expect it would be placed on the back burner, or take 20 years to complete.
After 21 months in power, this key pledge has been kicked into the long grass. — Politico.
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