[hotrodgirl]

Unfortunately I have to agree with you! Sad that we must resort to such stiff penalties to keep the workers safe, but people can be irresponsible and discourteous drivers by ignoring the safety of others. It should never have come to this, but we have had many, many horrible accidents here. Hopefully this will have an impact, but I shudder to think the only people who will take notice are those who would have done the right thing in the first place!

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by hotrodgirl

Perhaps it's not so bad in TV? See what we have here in IL now...

All Illinois drivers or those visiting there.

**** *


Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones starting in July.

Beginning in July the State of Illinois will
use speed cameras in areas designated as 'Work
Zones' on major freeways. Anyone caught by these devices will be mailed a $375.00 ticket for the FIRST offense, but the SECOND offense will cost* $ 1000.00 and comes with a 90-Day suspension.

Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license , which allows insurance companies to raise their rates.

This represents the harshest penalty structure yet for a city or state using PHOTO enforcements. The State will begin with TWO camera vans issuing tickets in work zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH.

Photographs
of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken.

Pass this on to everyone you know.

For more info:
http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r033005.html

Shades of Big Brother. it won't be too long before government " for the sake of public safety" will require each vehicle to be equipped with a tracking device so cops don't have to leave their desk in order to issue a ticket. and we will actually have citizens appaulding the governments foresight and effortsGeezzz.
So much for our freedoms.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

To my way of thinking, a speed trap is, in fact, an ongoing, revenue producing, assembly line of handing out tickets to anybody for anything.

However, when chronic speeding is out of control and officers work a specific area, the intent is to save lives. Drivers have criticized speed limits since the beginning of driving. I have never heard of a police officer giving a ticket to somebody who is within the limit. President Ulysses S. Grant was stopped for driving his horse team too fast in Washington. When the cop saw who it was, he said, "I'm sorry Mr. President." Grant said to the officer, "Do your duty man."

In so far as revenue generation goes, traffic citation income is actually a line item in post municipal budgets. The amount is based on an average of revenue from years past. In all the years I have been around police, government, and media, I have never once heard an official say, "get out there and hand out tickets to generate revenue."

What are quotas? Each officer is expected to preform as least as others on the department. Like any business. In manufacturing, if most workers produce 60 widgets a day, but two guys only produce 45, they are goofing off, or incompetent. If 55 sheriff's deputies each hand out an average of 60 tickets a month, but two only hand out 40, they are goofing off or incompetent.

Quotas IMHO create a conflict of interest.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by rubicon

Shades of Big Brother. it won't be too long before government " for the sake of public safety" will require each vehicle to be equipped with a tracking device so cops don't have to leave their desk in order to issue a ticket. and we will actually have citizens appaulding the governments foresight and effortsGeezzz.
So much for our freedoms.

Driving 65 MPH thru a work zone is not a freedom!

[lynl6]

I hope you are not one of the many who complains about speeders in The Villages. There is no reason to speed unless you are late for a tee time. This is a community of retirees. SLOW DOWN and enjoy life!!!

[Irishmen]

Last week, a State Trooper was in the turn lane to Bridgeport South of Palmer with a hand held laser just pulling people left and right commercial and resident vehicles.

[GolfandSun]

I agree with u on the low speed limits for some areas. Some people just refuse to go over 15 -20mph no matter what the postings? This seems to be more hazardous because people end up in long lines at the roundabouts and they are so confused about which lane they should use to do what in? I appreciate your advice and caution on enforcement. I will be one to look for this.

[paulandjean]

Yes there are many many many sllloooowwww drivers in the villages also. They become a hazard to many.All I can say is get out of my way.

[ajbrown]

I have no problem if TV developed a reputation like 301 in north FL, e.g. Waldo or Lawtey. I would love people to be aware, if you wish to cut through TV, be CAREFUL, you will get a ticket.

In fact TV would be much more fair than those 301 towns, not roads that go from 65-55-40-35, then a speed trap. The speed limits stay consistent per road here.

I am not a saint, I have sped before and likely will again, but I have no problem with TV being known as a place to be really careful when driving through......

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Driving 65 MPH thru a work zone is not a freedom!

Hi Bogie Shooter: In that I agree...work zone can be hazardous... but my reference is intended to cover the the driver going 40 mph in the left hand lane on interstates or the guy trying to maintain a 25mph on Morse. Heck most cars can maintain that speed with the driver's foot off the accelerator.

Succintly stated I believe highway officers reduce their public relations element when they establish speed traps and quotas, especially when they themselves are caught speeding DUI, etc. In othewrwords its the hypocrisy of it that grabs me. But I understand it and abide by the rules of the road.

[rp001]

I believe there is ample work in this area to keep our ministers of law and order busy..Look at the arrest records and there seems to be a large contingent of meth users and petty theives immediately surrounding our wonderful world, Wildwood and Fruitland Park and Belleview.

Perhaps the officers would be better suited tending to real crime prevention than ticketing little old ladies on Buena Vista en masse...I know we are looked upon by some of the locals in disdain and are perceived as rich..Look at the median income for the tri county area for a family of four..We are in effect the cash cows for Sumter, and Northern Lake county...

[Shimpy]

I stay away from areas that have speed traps such as Fruitland Park. They lose my dollars that I'd spend in restaurants, shops, etc. because of their over strict policies. I've heard of people getting tickets for going 2 mph over the limit. Thats within speedometer error tolerance and is ridiculous. Until the merchants complain and their policies change, then I'm staying away.
I read a very good article about some communities around the country shortening the yellow lights time in order to give tickets for running red lights. The average time for a yellow light is around 4.3 seconds. One community in California, (Union City) shortened the time by 1.3 seconds under state law. After getting caught they had to refund more than $1 million in fines. This shows me these law enforcement efforts are not for safety, but for revenue. These are pet peeves of mine. They build a divided 4 lane highway and put a 35mph speed limit on it. How ridiculous is that?

[Bogie Shooter]

I woud like to see a good definition of "speed trap".

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

I woud like to see a good definition of "speed trap".

Its like the supreme court Justice said about pornography "I can't describe it but I know when I see it." (paraphrase). Weel same goes for speed traps

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

I have no problem if TV developed a reputation like 301 in north FL, e.g. Waldo or Lawtey. I would love people to be aware, if you wish to cut through TV, be CAREFUL, you will get a ticket.

In fact TV would be much more fair than those 301 towns, not roads that go from 65-55-40-35, then a speed trap. The speed limits stay consistent per road here.

I am not a saint, I have sped before and likely will again, but I have no problem with TV being known as a place to be really careful when driving through......