OK, good point, I hadn't heard of that kind of operation. Around here they
are only at certain notorious intersections, and they are operated by the
city. The private operation you describe is obviously rife with opportunity
for profiteering and abuse, the same way the private towing companies profit
from parking enforcement (and in San Francisco, bilk both the city and
citizens, as has been repeatedly demonstrated).
on 10/27/03 11:35 PM, Larry list account at list@marketvalue.net wrote:
> Max, they aren't just 'red light running cameras'. Around here most are
> speed traps. A van, equipped with a radar, a camera and a computer are
> parked along side the road. The radar detects a speeding car, the camera
> takes a picture the computer prints the ticket with your picture on it (yes,
> your face and license plate are both displayed) You receive it in the mail.
> If you mail in the money without going to court they automatically reduce
> the infraction. The equipment is owned and operated by a private company,
> that company splits the revenue with the city.
>
> I've heard, if the operation is set up in the 'proper' location, they can
> write hundreds of tickets a day. And guess what, all that without a
> policeman any where near the equipment.
>
> It's not crime prevention, or public safety; it is a unique form of
> taxation.
>
> If they wanted you to be safe and slow down they would move the van and park
> a marked police car there instead.
>
> Larry Hoy
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
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