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Photo Radar

1879 messages,  Last post on Feb 01, 2013 at 9:27 PM

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What is this discussion about? Safe Driving

Messages Page 1 of 188

#1 of 1879 Photo Radar by andys120

Dec 16, 2008 (11:54 am)

Like most states, Arizona is desperately seeking additional revenue. They have recently begun installing photo-radar units (mobile and fixed) on highways throughout the state and it has had the effect of generating additional revenue.
 
Those who don't like it have taken matters into their own hands, vandalizing cameras, pushing for special initiatives to ban the cameras and/or putting polarized covers over their plates.
 
Some restrictions apply to camera enforcement:
 
-Fines are levied only on the registered owner of the vehicle, no license points are accrued and insurance companies are not notified. $165 for less than 20mph over, 250 for more than 20mph over.
-Cameras are set to record only cars traveling at 11mph over the limit (55 or lower zones) or 10mph over (65mph or higher zones).
 
What do you think?

#2 of 1879 Local reaction. by andys120

Dec 16, 2008 (11:55 am)

Foes vandalize Speed cameras.

#3 of 1879 Live in Phoenix by larsb

Dec 16, 2008 (1:48 pm)

I have "longtime" been an advocate of getting people to slow the heck down.
 
Speeding is dangerous, illegal, wasteful, and unfortunately, WIDESPREAD.
 
There have already been articles in the Phoenix newspaper about how people are noticing the slower-moving traffic on the freeways and how people who have always wanted the "flow" to be slower are loving the stress-free drive.
 
Even if it "IS" only a money grab, which is fine with me because they are not going to grab any of MY money, I'm all for it.
 
Lower speeds mean more survivable accidents, more time to react to problems, less wasted fuel, and less stressed drivers.
 
If the speeders want to pay $157 a pop for the right to drive 11 MPH over the limit, then let them.
 
I'll not be with them.

#4 of 1879 Re: Photo Radar [andys120] by fintail

Dec 16, 2008 (2:13 pm)

Replying to: andys120 (Dec 16, 2008 11:54 am)
More idiocy from the modern British school of societal management, more politicos who deserve to be introduced to a gallows.

#5 of 1879 I "winter" in AZ... by andys120

Dec 16, 2008 (2:49 pm)

and find myself in the middle on this subject.
 
-IMO Civil Disobedience should stop at the point of vandalism, wrecking speed cameras is never justifiable. OTOH I have no problem w installing a polarized "blocker" cover over the plate.
 
-Photo Radar is clearly a revenue enhancement measure with limited safety benefits but since there's no points on the license or insurance surcharge it's actually cheaper to get a ticket from the robot than to incur the insurance surcharges from a ticket issued by a police officer. The State is going to get it's piece whether thru photo radar fines or increased taxes--at least you can avoid fines.
 
-Contrary to Laserb, Arizonians do not drive that fast, especially considering the excellent highway network. Average speeds are no higher here than back home in NH.
 
-From what I have seen, unlike in many areas, Arizona speed limits are reasonable of the most roads. They are often close to the 85th Percentile Speed which is where most traffic engineers say it should be.

#6 of 1879 Re: I "winter" in AZ... [andys120] by larsb

Dec 16, 2008 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: andys120 (Dec 16, 2008 2:49 pm)
They issued 40,000 tickets in a 60-day span.
 
That seems like a lot of speeding to me.
 
Maybe not for some areas of the country I'm sure. If they put them in SoCal, they might get 40,000 tickets in an HOUR !!!

#7 of 1879 . by fintail

Dec 16, 2008 (3:58 pm)

Aren't these revenue creation masquerading as safety infractions easy to fight? Something along the lines of signing an affidavit stating you weren't the driver?
 
"Uh yeah my friend Bob was driving the car that day...I can't remember his last name...he lives three towns over"

#8 of 1879 how to beat the rap by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Dec 16, 2008 (4:07 pm)

Driving Tip: Fight a Photo Radar Ticket (Business Week)

#9 of 1879 Re: how to beat the rap [steve_] by andys120

Dec 16, 2008 (4:21 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Dec 16, 2008 4:07 pm)
Rules of process and evidence vary from state to state. What might get you off scot free in one jurisdiction could be of no importance in another so I would argue against taking those article points too seriously.
 
Having said that, I once got a photo ticket for running a red light in Boston. Since I go to court on every summons (sometimes even parking tickets) I appeared in Boston District Court.
The magistrate came in and asked those who had gotten a photo ticket to raise their hand and about 6 of us did so. Then and there she dismissed all of them. Apparently she felt that at least some of the points in the Business Week article where applicable to Massachusetts law.
 
BTW- in 45 years of driving that's the only time I've ever been cited for running a light or a sign.

#10 of 1879 Re: how to beat the rap [andys120] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Dec 16, 2008 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: andys120 (Dec 16, 2008 4:21 pm)
My wife got a ticket years ago for going 25 in a 20 zone. The ticket was easy to beat because the speed limit sign visible in the photo said 30 mph. D'oh.
 
The guy running the mobile camera got fired and the city ended the photo radar contract early.
 
On the other hand, my elderly mother got a ticket a few months ago for going about 45 in a 30 mph zone - she was just trying to "keep up with traffic." She paid it and then sold her car.

Messages Page 1 of 188

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