10 News Investigators: State Road 60 citations surge; FDOT paying FHP to patrol

WTSP ^ | January 9, 2012 | Noah Pransky

[Altariel]

Investigators discovered FDOT was covering speed limit signs with plastic bags -- an apparent violation of federal guidelines that suggest speed limit signs be posted after every major intersection.

Drivers pulling onto SR-60 westbound at SR-39 go nearly three miles without seeing a posted speed limit. Similarly, there are no signs posted for miles for drivers pulling onto SR-60 eastbound at Turkey Creek Rd.

FHP wrote over 200 citations in the area from Nov. 25 to Dec. 22, but claims it is being lenient in enforcement. It wrote 225 warnings over the same time period.

[SatinDoll]

Is this Florida?

[AnTiw1]

I guess there was a shortage of criminals so they made some.

[Altariel]

Yep.

PLANT CITY, Florida -

Drivers along SR-60 near Turkey Creek Rd. will want to tap the brakes as Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has increased its enforcement near the construction area.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is paying for the troopers’ presence — and citation-writing — during the road project.

[Gaffer]

“Government” - local, state, or federal will do whatever it takes to maintain the flow of revenue to which it has become accustomed. It is an incontrovertible fact of nature. They simply cannot help it [see the story of the scorpion and the turtle needing to cross a river].

[formosa]

Traffic violations are becoming just another means to tax the middle class.

[driftdiver]

They set the traps anytime they need revenue. There was a story a couple months ago where they were complaining that people werent speeding and they were having budget issues.

[unixfox]

Traffic violations are becoming just another means to tax the middle class.

Not just traffic violations. In Austin they are "stepping up" their enforcement of jay walkers, smoking violations, and other petty violations.

For "safety" reasons of course.