Community Forums

Rick & Hope · 11-28-2008, 07:06 AM

October 11, 2006 -- New research just published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This new study shows a direct correlation between shrinking sources for municipal revenues and an increase in the issuance of traffic tickets.

New York city just added 200 new enforcement officers to help with cities budget short fall.

West Virgina finally admits it has ticket quotas for it officers. http://www.landlinemag.com/tod...111708/112008-02.htm

California 55MPH when towing. This is for any vehicle that is towing a semi. a MH pulling toad, a 5er, a motorcycle pulling a trailer. Yet many studies have shown that you have fewer accidents without split speed limits. http://www.truckdriversunited....lit_speed_limits.htm

historyljc · 11-28-2008, 07:30 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">So where are the speed traps set? The absolutely safest venue for high speed travel. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
There is a difference between strict speed enforcement and "speed trap". A "speed trap" is one of those places (like Jessup, GA, had the reputation for a long time ago) that gives out speeding tickets, usually to cars with out-of-state tags, regardless of actual speed. Strict enforcement is just that, you speed and over the limit you get a ticket. I know many on this forum are active or retire military. What's the difference on how people drive on base vs off base. On base, the speed limits are strictly enforced.

The largest part of any LE agency budget is manpower. No agency, that I'm aware of, has too much manpower. Anytime we can get a device that will reasonably take part the burden off the over-stressed manpower requirement we are freeing up dollars that can be used in areas where it is more needed. Car mounted or hand held radar units are examples of the same idea. This just takes it one step further.

We had the opportunity a few years ago to visit the England, Scotland, and Ireland for vacation. We used rental cars in all locations. We were amazed at the courtesy of the drivers and for large part, the lawfulness of their driving. In three weeks we saw maybe four policeman on the roads, and no roadside stops. They use cameras to enforce their speed laws. They are even kind enough to let you know when you are coming up on one so you can slow down. This was mainly on the M roads (interstates). On some of the lesser roads without cameras, many of them drove like we often do, like idiots.

CoastieSCPO · 11-28-2008, 08:16 AM

As a former law enforcement officer and a current road user, I am all for safety and there are a lot of careless and dangerous motorists out there. If speed radar by camera or red light infractions caught by cameras help to improve safety, then it is a good thing. But let's not kid ourselves, it is all about the money. No officer to write the ticket, then no money being paid for court appearances. Officers can enforce other laws, or just write other kinds of tickets. In these tough fiscal times, we can expect state and local jurisdictions all over the country to increase the use of camera enforced laws. They need a source of revenue somewhere. But I have one big problems with the whole concept....if I'm charged with a crime (or infraction) I have a right to face my accuser in court. So, who is the accuser and how the heck can I question it?Also, the company that provided the camera receiving a portion of the ticket cost sounds a tad wrong to me....sounds like a kick back.

Kablewizard · 11-28-2008, 08:37 AM

Since you asked about taking the drivers picture here in Arizona, the answer is a definite yes now it is a moving camera, and they send you the notice with a link to see yourself on the net. so if you see the flash , expect the letter with the link.

drive safe

Georgia Flash · 11-28-2008, 09:24 AM

Excellent,,camera frees up a man to help me when I have a problem. He doesn't have to deal with the clown that is in a hurry or on the phone or just doesn't care, the idiot that causes most of the wrecks and complains about the rules. Hit them hard and make them pay for the cameras and the time. I will do my best not to contribute.

Ray,IN · 11-28-2008, 09:25 AM

Progress in law enforcement is a good thing, it certain instances. I refer everyone to the quotation by Chief Justice Douglas:

TXiceman · 11-28-2008, 10:08 AM

Obeying traffic rules has gotten to be a joke for a lot of people. They figure that the LEO's are spread pretty thin and there chance of getting caught are pretty slim, so they run the light or speed.

The cameras free up men to be going after drug dealers, thieves and such. Remember when you tried like heck to stop when the light was on caution....not now, I see 2 or 3 go through on a red and never even look up. There is absolutely no reason to run a red light or stop sign.

One RV park we were in for a year, we had a county Sheriff for a neighbor and I did get to spend some time talking to him. He said he would let the speeders go as long as the traffic conditions were safe and it was no more than about 5 over...except in school zones. Speeding in school zones and running red lights or stop signs were an automatic ticket...no exceptions...tell your sob story to the judge and the judges there had the same feelings as did the officer.

The whole thing boils down to drive the speed limit and stop at stop lights like you are supposed to do ALL OF THE TIME and guess what, your picture will not be taken.

Ken

Spikester · 11-28-2008, 10:47 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Stay between the lines. Be good little Hitler Youth. Nothing bad will happen to you. The government is here to help you. After 30 years in the US Coast Guard, and several years of retirement, I'm pretty sure that we will become as highly regulated in our society as Russia was under Stalin, maybe not as brutal, but even more closely watched. But we will be safe from all the bad people that want to hurt ys.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Stanbnv; I find a bit of a contradiction in your post! 30 years in a US Military Organization and your statement is kinda contradictory IMO. Sounds like you really appreciate that retirement check you receive every month!

Spike

RedT · 11-28-2008, 11:44 AM

Just to set the record straight (I'm the original poster) I have been driving since 1953 and this is my first traffic citation. Drove this freeway as a daily commute since 1982 and will repeat that NO ONE drives at 55 MPH. In all honesty, I thought that the speed limit was 65 MPH as are the other freeways in the valley. Dumb me - it is 55 MPH. The camera was stationary, signs warn motorists that the cameras are in place, and I was not concerned, since I was within the speed limit (I thought).

I do consider myself a safe driver, and though very upset that it cost me $$$, I have no one to blame but myself. The reason for posting was to warn, caution, inform other motorists that cameras are becoming prolific here in the valley of the sun. Who knows? Maybe the increased revenue stream will cause the Phoenix Mayor to rethink his request for a bailout!

Stanbnv · 11-28-2008, 05:10 PM

Gee Spike I guess according to you, I can't have an opinion contrary to yours and still draw my retirement check. BULL!!!! I figure I spent my time, earned my check, and can say what I want. I still feel that this country is selling it's freedoms for some vague security from the government. I guess you don't. Havay.e a nice safe d

TXiceman · 11-28-2008, 05:14 PM

Let's keep this from getting personal.

Attacks on members, moderators or administrators are not allowed.

Ken

JWatkins · 11-28-2008, 05:43 PM

An interesting development in red light cameras is that they do, indeed, lessen the number of red light runners at those protected intersections only. However, here in my city, the incidents of rear end collisions at those protected intersections have risen greatly. It seems that the "gotta make it through" mentality that pervades drivers these days changes for the first car... but not the second who is on your tail and going to make it also. At unprotected intersections, it isn't uncommon to have 2-3 cars go through the red light. I have seen as many as 5. Why? You are probably going to have to stop at the next one anyway and the folks you left behind will be right there with you when that light changes. Slow down, the life you may save is mine!
Joe

georgetown350 · 11-28-2008, 06:45 PM

When making a left turn on a yellow the light changes to red before you can safely make your turn. Does the camera allow for this?

Kablewizard · 11-28-2008, 07:11 PM

Here in Arizona the intersections with the red lite cameras have a red line panted on the street. It is even with the curb line from side to side. If you are past that line when the lite changes to red you will not be flashed. It flashes when you cross the line after red is on.