by Adam Blair

I have alerts set up to receive articles relating to speed cameras every day.

In recent times, these articles have gradually morphed into blatant propaganda, clearly “seeded” to so-called news outlets to push some agenda or another.

I usually laugh when I read these articles and ponder how, just a decade or so ago, the things being “reported” (repeated) today were considered completely normal.

For example, a number of recent articles were clearly based on a police press release, with variations of titles such as:

“Police Catch Vehicles Exceeding Speed Limit – With One Driver Doing 37mph!”

Do you remember when driving at 37mph on a road was a very normal and safe practice? Now it’s “headline” news, vilifying what was previously – and in other countries still is – completely normal behaviour.

More recently, I’ve noticed an increase in these kinds of stories being parroted by the media.

In the last couple of weeks, I must have been alerted to articles about 100 times “warning” motorists that if they flash other drivers to let them know about mobile speed traps, they risk receiving a fine of up to £1,000.

It would seem the police feel they are missing out on significant revenue from motorists looking out for each other.

The story and wording are repeated time and time again by these “news” outlets, who are clearly copying and pasting police propaganda – with the odd small tweak – so that it doesn’t appear to be exactly the same article.

Should you listen to these warnings?

Well, of course, that’s up to you…

Will it stop me from warning other motorists about criminals dressed in bright yellow jackets attempting to extort them?

No.