I’m not totally against them, but I wonder what the real reason is that they are being used.  Are they installed to control speeding, or………just another way to squeeze money out of us.

If they are really used to control speeding, then why are they placed where they are?  Wide dual lane divided highways in the middle of nowhere, designed by engineers to be safely traveled at 70MPH +, but are signed at 55.  Single lane roads in rural areas, where the only thing to fear is an occasional deer, or maybe a fox, but are posted at 35MPH.  Placed at the bottom of grades where you must brake to keep to the posted limit.  And the placement that gets my goat, the mobile vehicular mounted cameras that are used in construction areas at night, when there are no workers there to protect.  I never see them in the daylight, when workers are present.  Hmmm….are you seeing what I see?

We all know that children shouldn’t be playing in the street.  But they do. They’re kids.  Ever see a speed camera on your city street?   Ever see one in a school zone, hospital zone, or elderly community?  I know of only two, and those communities demanded it.    Most people driving in these congested areas realize that a child can dart into the street without warning.  An elderly person can start across the street because they didn’t see or hear you.  A door can be flung open into your lane by a parked car.  Why aren’t these areas protected by speed cameras?

Why, you ask?  Because the governmental agencies that place the cameras know that, by and large, we are more alert of dangerous situations driving in these areas. But, out on the open road, we tend to let our guard down.  The government knows this.  Hence, that’s where the cameras are.  CLICK-FLASH-GOTCHA.

Our elected, and appointed, officials know that raising fees, taxes, and appraisals are extremely unpopular.  “Red light cameras have generated a lot of revenue.  Let’s add speed cameras too.  A couple of thousand dollars to install.  We will get that money back in 50 speeding tickets.  After that……free money.  The public won’t complain, because we are protecting them from speeders”.    

And let’s be honest here.  If speed cameras are installed on your normal routes to and from work, or school, or your favorite hang out, you already know their location.  You saw the ditches dug, the concrete poured, and the crew installing them.  We slow down to the speed limit, pass the camera, and accelerate up to our normal speed.  No harm….no foul, right?

Just a few years ago, we controlled our speed simply because over the next hill, or around the next curve, a police officer may be sitting with radar, vascar, or a speed gun at the ready.  We rarely see a speed trap anymore.  I wonder what all those traffic cops are doing now?  (I probably don’t want to know).  And what happened to all that expensive equipment?  Sitting somewhere collecting dust I suppose.

So…… you tell me……are speed cameras used to protect the traveling public, or are they just another way to collect revenue?  Think about it.

GOD bless you all.

FB 02/26/12