HAVING recently found myself having to donate to the NSCP (National Safety Camera Partnership) and also to have my 35 year unblemished driving licence endorsed by three points, I felt that a little research was necessary into this speed camera situation.

This so-called partnership is really a government quango with its sub offices located throughout Britain. The Government appears to have lost control of the NSCP, which is making that much money (from the fines) King Midas himself would have been filled with admiration.

Millions of pounds are pouring into this ever-growing bureaucratic gravy train and it is now an embarrassment to the Government. The more money comes in the more cameras are set up.

This NSCP Juggernaut is also responsible for the criminalisation of upwards of three million drivers who happen to be voters (this number is expected to increase to 4.5 million by 2005).

The police share of this money is relatively small. They are only paid for admin costs and associated expenses. No money is made available for any serious crime-prevention initiatives like more bobbies on the beat.

Independently audited accounts or balance sheets are not available for public scrutiny. What the NSCP cannot spend goes to the Government. Perhaps Mr Alistair Darling, Minister of Transport, who is now advising disgruntled motorists (who feel that some of the camera sittings are wrongly sited) to write in.

Perhaps Mr Alistair Darling, Minister of Transport, remembers that in a province of Canada some years ago the voting public kicked up against the speed camera programme and threatened to put the politicians out of office if they didn't withdraw them. The camera project was cancelled. Could there be a lesson here for the British electorate?

EDDIE DUXBURY, Arthur Way, Blackburn.