automated cameras for speeders

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I heard this story last night on ABC.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1649224
http://phoenix.about.com/od/car/a/photoradar.htm

I've never heard of a speeding cameras where there's no officer present. There usually had to be an officer witness present in a hidden van, correct?

In my opinion, I like the fact that excessive speeders are being caught.
But I hate the fact that we are being watched more and more. And no cop to witness, or understand the situation. It seems once the flash goes off, you're done regardless. So I'm leaning towards disliking this.

What does everyone think?

[DeWynter]

We have had Automated Speed Cams and Red light Cams for years and years here in Alberta (thats Canada ). They Rotate them in the Cities so you never Know where they are.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

They're all over Europe too. You get your ticket(s) by mail.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

I still strongly believe this. The quickest way to have a positive impact on highway safety, is to:

1) Enforce and test for minimum performance standards (tires, braking, handling, and accelerating) of cars on the road. I'm not talking about sportscar numbers... I'm talking about SAFE numbers. I drove my friend's car the other day - practically zero braking ability. He'd be dead meat in a panic stop.

2) Enforce the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT LAW

[casey02ws6]

While we're at it all non-V8s must move to the right

[DeWynter]

I still strongly believe this. The quickest way to have a positive impact on highway safety, is to:

1) Enforce and test for minimum performance standards (tires, braking, handling, and accelerating) of cars on the road. I'm not talking about sportscar numbers... I'm talking about SAFE numbers. I drove my friend's car the other day - practically zero braking ability. He'd be dead meat in a panic stop.

2) Enforce the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT LAW

Funny Canada Has All of that. We even have special trucks and cars that go around random testing vehicles. They do it more to Semi's than small trucks but its definatly in effect here.

[Black97]

2) Enforce the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT LAW

I can understand that in Michigan. I was working in Flint and driving back and forward a couple times from Toronto. Interstates were so bad on the right hand lane, nobody wanted to drive there. So you had to overtake on the right.

[Steel2686]

It's like that all over the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT). Exits are on both sides in many areas, so people just remain in the lane their exit is on, even if it's not coming for miles.

Thanks for firing me up, Jay.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

I can understand that in Michigan. I was working in Flint and driving back and forward a couple times from Toronto. Interstates were so bad on the right hand lane, nobody wanted to drive there. So you had to overtake on the right.

Meh... I'm not talking about interstates like I-69 out in BFE - I'm talking about city freeways with 4+ lanes. Stay to the frickin right.

[Crazy Canuk]

On the QEW (A highway in Ontario) they had speeding cameras. I was a kid back then and remember how safe the highways seemed everyone not going over 10k over the speedlimit (even in the fast lane). But it was a suicidal move for the goverment to take and they were voted out the next election by a campain promiss to remove them because it was believed it was nothing more then a cash grab.

Tickets would be sent to the regestered owner of the car but no points were taken off of the licence because there was no way in validating who was behind the wheel.

They have stop light cameras now which basicly do the same thing. I think they work to keep most people driving safer but at the same time I don't want big brother looking over my shoulder to give me a ticket if I go over the speed limit a little eather.

[Roger in Kensington]

The solution to automatic speed cameras is . . .

. . . semi-automatic shotguns.

[Dave M]

There have been numerous reports all over the country of rear end collisions increasing at red lights because people are slamming on their brakes to avoid going through lights, afraid of a camera giving them a ticket. Who's to say ultimately which is safer?

[DeWynter]

There have been numerous reports all over the country of rear end collisions increasing at red lights because people are slamming on their brakes to avoid going through lights, afraid of a camera giving them a ticket. Who's to say ultimately which is safer?

I belive they are in the wrong then. I don't know about the US but here in Canada we have a yellow light which means slow down and prepare to stop, not speed up and try to make it, then slam on your brakes when you feel you might not make it.

[Steel2686]

I belive they are in the wrong then. I don't know about the US but here in Canada we have a yellow light which means slow down and prepare to stop, not speed up and try to make it, then slam on your brakes when you feel you might not make it.

Down here, yellow lights are merely a suggestion.... as are stop signs.