[Rick Lee]

Radar tickets are totally for revenue generation and have nothing whatsoever to do with safety. If cops were trying to promote safety, then why would they hide, especially in VA, where you shouldn't be able to spot them with a radar detector? I've heard in FL they disguise themselves as road construction workers and even saw an article about some cops disguising themselves as golfers and springing the radar/laser gun on unsuspecting speeders. Obviously, such Gestapo tactics do nothing to make you slow down, since you only know about it once the ticket has been written. Now, when I see uniformed cops standing by the side of the road at a sobriety checkpoint, then I know they want to be seen and I can at least respect that. But the slithery revenue generation is total BS. That's why I speed with a very clear conscience and fight every ticket. Even if I lose (rarely), I make them lose money the second I walk into court.

[ecohen]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Radar tickets are totally for revenue generation and have nothing whatsoever to do with safety. If cops were trying to promote safety, then why would they hide, especially in VA, where you shouldn't be able to spot them with a radar detector? I've heard in FL they disguise themselves as road construction workers and even saw an article about some cops disguising themselves as golfers and springing the radar/laser gun on unsuspecting speeders. Obviously, such Gestapo tactics do nothing to make you slow down, since you only know about it once the ticket has been written. Now, when I see uniformed cops standing by the side of the road at a sobriety checkpoint, then I know they want to be seen and I can at least respect that. But the slithery revenue generation is total BS. That's why I speed with a very clear conscience and fight every ticket. Even if I lose (rarely), I make them lose money the second I walk into court.

I totally agree and in my opinion the ultimate proof that this is a revenue not safety issue are the automatic cameras. If they were REALLY serious about getting people to slow down they would have signs stating that there were cameras over the next 25 miles or something, but NO they just hide them and let you speed and pay for it later. The worse part about it, or at least in DC, is that the city doesn't get most of the money, the company that sets up the cameras does.

[Don Wohlfarth]

Originally Posted by ecohen

The worse part about it, or at least in DC, is that the city doesn't get most of the money, the company that sets up the cameras does.

Not quite true. When the camera were first installed the city received approximately 35% of the fine and the rest went to the company. With the uproar the city was able to negoiate a different split, maybe 55 city/45 company. This happened a couple years ago and I don't remember the exact numbers but it was changed.
Don't get me started on the term "traffic safety". This is a game police departments play and should not be used without the term "revenue enhancement". The reality of the situation is the police could care less about traffic safety and enjoy the benefits of revenue enhancement. The police will write tickets all day long. The courts more or less go along with this (ask Rick Lee ).
Got to keep you scofflaws on the road, the government needs the money.

[Rick Lee]

I believe Lockheed Martin was the company that took over the District's radar cameras and even parking meter operation. They do get a good size cut of the fine money. I've heard that when you fight one of these radar camera tickets in court, no cop shows, but rather a rep. from Lockheed comes to testify. I have long relished going up against one of these bozos in court, but the only radar camera ticket I've managed to get in DC was in my mom's car (while she had my Carrera!). They mailed her the ticket in NJ (I was suspended there at the time - what a coincidence), she ratted me out and I never heard anything about it again. Oh, I got nailed making a U-turn on Rt. 1 near the Beltway - was in the middle of the intersection when the light changed. But again, in my mom's car and I guess the camera got only a side shot of the car and no plate number. Too bad. I'll make it back to court one of these days. Last week it was to renew my concealed carry permit. But I get goose bumps just being near the traffic court rooms, where I've beaten city hall a few times.

[Jim Richards]

Didn't take long for this thread to veer off topic. :P

[Jase007]

I get goose bumps just being near the traffic court rooms, where I've beaten city hall a few times.

With statements like that ... perhaps you should think of joining the ranks of your Dorki legal brethren Targa911man can show you the dark side if you have tendencies leaning that way

Jason

BTW: How long does your VA concealed permit last? I may have to do soon.

[Rick Lee]

Jase, I don't want to help others at all - I just love beating the county at their own bs.

VA's CCW's are good for 5 yrs. and they have considerably cut down the bs required to get one (thank you Jim Gilmore). If you have a court date soon, you can kill two birds with one stone and hand in your CCW app. then too. Mine was a second renewal, so I didn't have to show "competence" with a handgun.

[targa911man]

Remember the upside to those speeding tickets--more money for needy lawyers.

[JBryant]

Thanks...

I will call Vu.

[JBryant]

Vu- I have been trying to PM you...but it does not seem to work. Can you e-mail me? vacows@crosslink.net

Thanks

Jim