Want a speed camera, create a school zone.


I know, I know, I'm the paranoid one who when reading a new law thinks
about how will government abuse it to take our money and have power over
us. But maybe it's because time and time again stuff like this happens:

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/29/2949.asp
"Maryland cities will create brand new "school zones" in an attempt to
issue speed camera tickets on roads that previously had no need of the
designation. When the state legislature authorized speed cameras six
months ago in response to a $690,506 lobbying campaign from photo
ticketing and insurance companies, lawmakers mandated that the cameras
could only be used within a half mile of a school zone. Baltimore is
among the first to admit that it will bypass that restriction."
(...)
"The city's plan is to take a number of roads that are within the
legally required distance to a school but are in areas where children do
not regularly walk. Baltimore will install "school zone" signs on these
roads for the sole purpose of meeting the legal requirement that the
speed cameras be used only in a school zone. The new zones include
Charles Street at Lake Avenue, Northern Parkway at Greenspring, Pulaski
Highway at Monument Street and Roland Avenue at West Cold Spring."

------------

Yes, that's right, the little clause to stop them from using speed
cameras anywhere they want to is being bypassed by creating new school
zones. So, they have the maximum radius around the school for the school
zone, then a half mile from either end of the school zone (might even
be a half mile radius so they can suck in neighbor streets??). Now, I'll
guess that's all kinds of schools including high schools. That probably
covers most of a metro area. Not quite all, but enough it to effectively
allow for speed cameras in very many of the most profitable spots. Plus
they can lower the speed limit to a totally out of place nonsensical
25mph to boot. CA-CHING!






.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: School zones
    ... from the flashing light to the "End School Zone" sign. ... enforces speed limits," but I figured that it was just bluster, like many ... Everyone - and I do mean everyone - slowed down for the school ... advance as I had noted the nose of a car portruding from the bushes ...
    (misc.transport.road)
  • Re: Maryland approves widespread use of speed cameras for revenue generation
    ... at many times before and after school hours. ... Children can also be present at spots outside the school zone. ... 10-15 mph less than the regular speed limit. ...
    (misc.transport.road)
  • Re: Traffic law question about Vegas trip.
    ... > today I came into a school zone with the reduced speed lights flashing ... > eventhougth there was no school today. ... When I am driving to Vegas next ... > Thanksgiving do I have to slow down to the lower speed limit in school ...
    (alt.vacation.las-vegas)
  • Re: Traffic law question about Vegas trip.
    ... > today I came into a school zone with the reduced speed lights flashing ... > eventhougth there was no school today. ... When I am driving to Vegas next ... > Thanksgiving do I have to slow down to the lower speed limit in school ...
    (alt.vacation.las-vegas)
  • Re: Kate (Now OT traffic rant!)
    ... The big question was How many *MORE* people need to be killed/badly injured/require the Air Ambulance to drop in by the bridge before KCC do anything about folk doing up to 80 on a blind corner with adverse camber ON THE BUS ROUTE and with no footpath for people who WANT to walk the mere mile to the village school? ... These development plans are usually published on-line, ... within a framework that encompasses their policy statements. ...
    (alt.sewing)