re: "uncalled for" speeding tickets ??

[Jay Snyder <jsnyder@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bret said:
> Most of the 25mph zones I've seen are very dense
> residential areas or even school zones.

First, the problem here IS NOT THE POLICE OFFICERS (no, I'm not a cop,
nor do I play one on TV).  They are just doing there job, although we
may question there tactics and motives, they are not the problem.  The
problem is our policy makers.  The ones who institute unreasonably slow
speed limits where not needed (dense residential, and school zones
excluded).  We also need to question any municipality which gets a high
percentage of it's revenue from traffic citiations (this definitely
questions the motive of the fines).

I do agree with 25mph zones in very dense residential areas, but not 
on major roads that are part of major traffic patterns, or in non-dense
areas.

I don't know what it's like where you're from but in my little corner of
Pennsylvania, there are lots of 25MPH zones on sparsely populated back
roads that go on for miles and miles.  Did you ever actually drive 25mph
for any length of time?  It makes you fall asleep.  

Here is a good example of speed limits for revenue generation and not for
safety.  Walnut st. (a major thru-street) in Harrisburg has a 35mph speed
limit for it's entire 4-5mi. length, except for a 2 block section that is
25mph, through the Borough of Penbrook (housing density is no different
than the rest of the road).  This is a known area speed trap, the local
tax collectors are hiding behind the dumpster at the mini-market 70% of
the time.  Of course, I didn't know it was a well known speed trap until 
being pulled over for 40 in a 25.  I didn't even notice the speed limit
sign, and asked the officer why I was being pulled over (40 in a 35 is
always overlooked).   I got the ticket reduced to 30 in a 25 (no points,
and nothing on my driving record, just a slightly reduced fine).

(soapbox off).

Jay
'89 325i w/ 15x7 Borbets & Jim C. Chip :-)
'84 325e AT->5spd
'74 2002
'72 2002 (future 325i engine recipient!)
'67 Pontiac Firebird 400 Conv (4spd)
'82 Chevy C20 Diesel Pickup (Parts hauler and tow vehicle)

http://www.microserve.net/~jsnyder

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