The Chief Constable of North Wales, Richard Brunstrom's most irritating fault is that he almost always overstates his case, thereby undermining it.  Excessive speed is a killer, but there is inadvertent speeding and there is deliberate (often reckless) speeding. In failing to differentiate between the two he alienates those very citizens whose support he needs, just as with his beloved speed cameras.

It was unacceptable that he had not sought the permission of the families whose sons had been killed before showing photographs of their mutilated bodies to journalists and local authority representatives at a meeting to promote his Force's road safety work. Nevertheless, it is right that we be reminded of the consequences of irresponsible speeding and substandard driving, combined.  It is so easy to forget that in a collision, even when protected by seatbelts, airbags, collapsing bonnets and safety bars, the human body can suffer serious injury.  At high speeds it can simply disintegrate.

Shock tactics such as these should not be used too often lest their impact be weakened and relatives' permission for publication should be sought, always.  Had Mr Brunstrom not had the reputation of being the  "Mad Mullah of the Traffic Taliban" and with the permission of the relatives, perhaps he would not have caused such a furore.

Richard Brunstrom: Chief Constable and now humble Blogger