UK speeding fines: context

[Peter Ward]

We tend to get very focused on the injustice of the UK system. I thought it might be worth looking at what's happening in USA at present. The Newspaper (www.thenewspaper.com) monitors stuff worldwide but there's quite a few US references, such as:

1. Tennessee: Cars Seized Over Packs of Cigarettes
Revenue agents surveilling Tennessee residents who buy cigarettes in a nearby state. Those found with two cartons will have their car confiscated
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2010.asp

2. New Mexico: Photo Enforcement Generating Millions
Albuquerque, New Mexico raked in $10.6 million in revenue from its combination red light and speed cameras
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2008.asp

3. Georgia Speed Trap Brings Huge Profit
Pendergrass, Georgia collects $1136 in ticket revenue for every resident
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2007.asp

4. Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket
Virginia legislator introduces new speeding ticket tax that boosts penalties beyond $3550, driving business to his traffic law firm
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp

It makes you realise that things are not necessarily rosier everywhere else.

Edited by Peter Ward on Wednesday 10th October 17:32

[mark69sheer]

Absolutey and the blanket 55mph that was in America once would definately have drove me crazy.

Its just when laws are introduced for the wrong reason.

When a speeding motorist can clone some plates and speed wherever he wants through any cameras he wants in complete financial and licenced safety then the law has become unenforcible except to 'law abiding' citizens.

That a motorist can speed for two weeks at ridiculous speeds before he gets his first NiP proves the system is about raising cash not improving safety.

When a system tots up points and then disqualifies motorists who then continue to drive because they have no choice re their livelihood thus making uninsured motorists a hazard then the sytem is wrong.


If every motorist was stopped at the time of the offence by officers on the road it would prevent all of the above scenarios.

[TripleS]

Peter Ward said:

We tend to get very focused on the injustice of the UK system. I thought it might be worth looking at what's happening in USA at present. The Newspaper (www.thenewspaper.com) monitors stuff worldwide but there's quite a few US references, such as:

1. Tennessee: Cars Seized Over Packs of Cigarettes
Revenue agents surveilling Tennessee residents who buy cigarettes in a nearby state. Those found with two cartons will have their car confiscated
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2010.asp

2. New Mexico: Photo Enforcement Generating Millions
Albuquerque, New Mexico raked in $10.6 million in revenue from its combination red light and speed cameras
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2008.asp

3. Georgia Speed Trap Brings Huge Profit
Pendergrass, Georgia collects $1136 in ticket revenue for every resident
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/20/2007.asp

4. Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket
Virginia legislator introduces new speeding ticket tax that boosts penalties beyond $3550, driving business to his traffic law firm
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp

It makes you realise that things are not necessarily rosier everywhere else.

Edited by Peter Ward on Wednesday 10th October 17:32

Maybe so, but folks everywhere else will have to sort themselves out. I'm concerned with the stupid regime we have here. That's what needs changing.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[Jasandjules]

It simply shows that Govt's the world over recognise that we need a car to live, and therefore we are a great target for revenue generation.