Speed-Limit Enforcement Cameras on the Rise
Scottsdale, Arizona was the first city in America, according to ABC News, to implement a speed-limit enforcement camera back in 2006. Since then, more jurisdictions across the country have installed the controversial tactic.
Scottsdale officials say the cameras are effective and they have seen a decrease in speeding.
Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross said, “This is just another way to create a safer driving environment. There are a lot of irresponsible drivers out there."
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a study that noted that 15 percent of all drivers speed. In communities utilizing the speed-limit enforcement cameras, that number dropped to less than 2 percent.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, cameras are used. Speeders traveling 11 mph or more over the registered speed limit receive citations in the mail.
(More details after the jump)
But, the enforcement cameras have gained critics, like the National Motorists Association – who say that the cameras are not always accurate and ineffective in the long run.
Charles Terlizzi of the NMA said, “The only effect they have here is locally, where the cameras are placed and over a short period of time.
However, the cameras are increasingly popular with law enforcement officials and its, likely, only a matter of time before they infiltrate most communities in the nation.
Do you have speed-limit enforcement cameras in your town? Are they fair?
Let us know in the comments.
+ ABC News: Cameras Catch Speed Demons
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Comments
chartguy
These are typically operated by outside businesses. They tend to keep 90% of the money collected, passing only 10% to the community. Those businesses have a vested interest in expanding their revenues by convincing communities to install these machines.
Traffic engineers set speed limits at the 85th percentile. They measure drivers' speeds, and pick the limit that means that 85% are slower and 15% faster. That's why IIHS can say "15 percent of all drivers speed". Drivers don't drive slower or faster if you change the speed limit. They drive at the speed that they feel is safe and efficient. The photo radar will slow drivers in a very small zone (where it will cite them), but it won't cut accidents or injuries. The congestion they produce may actually increase accidents.
dante
Cameras keep us all safe. Big Brother loves us and wants to protect us from harm.
Can It Be True? | Alex Roy’s Team Polizei 144 HQ
[...] Germans Rate German Cars More Reliable than Japanese So says TTAC. Really. Can it be true? [...]
john
Certainly there is soon to be a turn signal camera that photo enforces the use of turn signals. This will reduce confusion and accidents and generate needed revenue for the state budgets. The revenue then will be grossly mismanaged futhering the need for more cameras. You have to love capitalism.
Goose
Most people here in Montgomery County slow down to 10 _below_ the limit when they go near the damn things. And the collections letter states sweetly how "it's your name on the reregistration for that tag, so give us $40." No points, zero interaction with the rates to your mandatory insurance policy, just give us "our" money, and it all goes away . . .
And they set them up in these kill zones, so it's hard to sneak up on 'em and spray paint the lenses . . .
Anyway: I drive 5 miles out of my way to avoid the %$#$@s . . .
Kal
Chartguy,
While some traffic engineers may set speed limits at the 85th percentile thats certainly not the case here in NC where limits are artificially low (usually by 10mph) compared to the rest of the country.
Winding Road » Archive » Transport Canada to Utilize Speed-L
[...] area. The device made it difficult, but not impossible, to press the gas pedal down when over the posted speed limit. But, before everyone gets bent out of shape over the device, it will only be used on habitual [...]
Winding Road » Archive » Text Messaging System to Help Canad
[...] Montreal-based SOS Ticket designed a monthly subscription system to aid speeding motorists in radar detection. The system works by motorists texting the company of radar whereabouts, then the company forwards [...]
Post new comment