Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: GLDNGUN
OK, I'll try to hit the high points:

1) Under American law, an accused has the right to face his or her accuser in a court of law. If a machine gives you a ticket, who exactly stands up in court if you try to defend yourself?

2) Is the idea of issuing speeding tickets to punish speeders into slowing down or is it to generate revenue for the issuing authority? The former is a legitimate law enforcement activity, but I will maintain that the latter is a tax imposed by regulation rather than by a lawful taxing authority.

3) "Get the speed limit raised." Excuse me, but what color is the sky on the planet you're from? Here on Earth, politicians and bureaucrats set speed limits artificially low to generate revenue from speeding tickets and anyone foolish enough to try to get one raised will be blasted for opposing public safety.

4) Everywhere red light cameras have been installed, there have been complaints that the companies that operate the cameras (who get a large cut of the ticket revenues) have tinkered with the timing of the lights to CAUSE more people to accidentally run them. Generally, this can be done very easily by shortening the duration of the yellow light.

5) No one will release statistics on increases in rear-end collisions at intersections where red light cameras have been installed. However, there is at least anecdotal evidence that there have been a lot of accidents where drivers slammed on their brakes as soon as a "regulated" light turned yellow.
18 posted on 12/17/2004 8:59:30 PM PST by RebelBanker (To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies ]


To: RebelBanker
1) Under American law, an accused has the right to face his or her accuser in a court of law. If a machine gives you a ticket, who exactly stands up in court if you try to defend yourself?

The accuser is not a machine, but the police department using a machine. What's the difference between being caught on camera running a red light or being caught on camera robbing a 7-11? Would you suggest that cameras in stores should not be allowed?

anyone foolish enough to try to get one raised will be blasted for opposing public safety.

Well, then perhaps you don't have public support, which in case the speed limit should NOT be raised. Speed limits, especially on highways and interstates HAVE been risen.

there have been complaints that the companies that operate the cameras (who get a large cut of the ticket revenues) have tinkered with the timing of the lights to CAUSE more people to accidentally run them. Generally, this can be done very easily by shortening the duration of the yellow light.

I certainly wouldn't support any "tinkering". Are these just "complaints" or is there any proof?

19 posted on 12/18/2004 12:59:49 AM PST by GLDNGUN
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson