Community Forums

RedT · 11-27-2008, 05:30 AM

If traveling in Arizona this winter, be advised that photo radar - both stationary and portable - is in wide spread use throughout the state.
You will receive a NOTICE OF VIOLATION in the mail with a photo of the vehicle driver and the license plate. Sanctions start at $180.00!

How do I know? Doing 66 on Interstate 17 (it was posted 55 MPH, but NO ONE goes that slow!) Legal? Dunno, but local TV states they have over 40 mobile systems, plus many fixed cameras are in use in the Phoenix area.

The local TV stated that cameras would be in use every 20 miles on I-40 and I-10 across Arizona.

RedT · 11-27-2008, 05:30 AM

If traveling in Arizona this winter, be advised that photo radar - both stationary and portable - is in wide spread use throughout the state.
You will receive a NOTICE OF VIOLATION in the mail with a photo of the vehicle driver and the license plate. Sanctions start at $180.00!

How do I know? Doing 66 on Interstate 17 (it was posted 55 MPH, but NO ONE goes that slow!) Legal? Dunno, but local TV states they have over 40 mobile systems, plus many fixed cameras are in use in the Phoenix area.

The local TV stated that cameras would be in use every 20 miles on I-40 and I-10 across Arizona.

LindaH · 11-27-2008, 06:38 AM

I welcome photo radar, particularly in Arizona! We've lived in Arizona and now spend the winters there so we know how fast people drive, both on the freeway and on the surface streets.

TXiceman · 11-27-2008, 07:23 AM

I also welcome the use of photo radar as well as photo red light cameras. There are too many drivers with total disregard of the laws of our roads. They do not think about the results of their running a red light or speeding other than they were not detained by the light or slowed down a bit.

It all boils down to the old...you do the crime, you do the time.

Ken

georgetown350 · 11-27-2008, 07:25 PM

I dont like the concept of photo radar because it tickets the car and not the driver. If they can take a picture of the driver to prove who was behind the wheel then maybe it would be fair.

Greenie · 11-28-2008, 01:00 AM

Photo radar is a big step closer to 1984 - big brother watching our every move - no need for law enforcement officers to make the pinch, and just try to have your day in court against a speeding ticket.
Our interstate highway system was modelled after the autobans - limited access, great sight, easy turns. The interstates were designed for higher speeds - like 85 mph. So where are the speed traps set? The absolutely safest venue for high speed travel.
Interstate speed traps are there for revenue rather than safety reasons.

SeeTheUSA · 11-28-2008, 03:24 AM

When George Orwell wrote the book "1984" back in 1949, his speculation seemed preposterous - people were . . . well, kinder, more polite, inclined to follow society's rules and social norms. We really didn't need such things as cameras to confirm rules were being followed - most people just did because it was thought to be the right thing to do.

Now? More like anything goes! But we're told we should value that. Okay - I value that, particularly if there's a fee associated with wild and crazy behavior and social deviancy.

I know, one of those speed cameras might catch me someday . . . oh well, that's what I get for not following the rules. Reckon I might deserve it!

MtManLee · 11-28-2008, 04:40 AM

IMHO its the one who complains about the laws that commit the most infractions. Having worked in law enforcement, the biggest share of tickets went first to the rich in their fancy cars and dang did they complain a lot and second to the young who were testing the waters as most youngsters do.
Like someone else said, you do the crime you do the time. I get a ticket its my fault. Thank the system for putting officers out there to slow me down. And it is a safety issue, police depts, cities and counties only get to share 1% of most tickets state gets the rest. So where is the monetary advantage in that? If it were the revenue, believe me there would be a heck of a lot more enforcement.

TXiceman · 11-28-2008, 05:01 AM

The 1984 mind set is off base. Rules (and laws) are put into effect to keep people safe when they do not have the common sense to do what is right.

As for big brother watching, someone has to watch and you are after all on a public road and breaking a rule which applies to all equally, no distinction is made as to economic status, race, religion or what color socks you wear.

No the camera will not get your face, but I would sure like to know who is driving my vehicle and do keep up with who is allowed to drive it.

So buckle up, carry the proper insurance, stop at stop lights and stop signs and do not speed. You won't have a problem then.

Ken

Stanbnv · 11-28-2008, 05:16 AM

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..

georgetown350 · 11-28-2008, 05:39 AM

I would presume that a photo radar speeding ticket would not hold up in court if challenged properly.

georgetown350 · 11-28-2008, 05:41 AM

Does photo radar actually take a picture of the driver?????????

doc · 11-28-2008, 05:50 AM

We put in a number of redlight cameras before my retirement from the PD. The selling point was 'not cost to the government, we do everything'. The citizens were 'sold' this idea of safer streets and less accidents.
After they were in for a year or so, the numbers were run and there was no diference in the number of accidents. What it did show was the government had a large increase in the amount of money from these cameras. Again the citizens were not told that the company who 'did everything' was also making a pile of money off the project as their share of take.
This kind of thing is not about safety, it is about money, pure and simple. It will never be outlawed because the money becomes an essential part of the budget.

FatDog · 11-28-2008, 07:05 AM

here in SanDiego the private firm that installed the red-light cameras (and collects a percentage of the ticket fees) was found to have wrongly set the time of the yellow light too short by a second or two which caused more tickets to be given
(some) fines paid were returned and guilty pleas were overturned retroactively

other then that, as good citizens there are probably 200 important things we can worry about and fix with our local gov't, and to me the red-light camera ranks somewhere around 201