Each Wednesday, we’ll publish quick summaries of the articles from the last week on TheNewspaper.com. We’re doing this because these articles are often strongly connected to the issues that National Motorists Association members are interested in.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Chicago, Illinois Inspector General Rejects Red-Light Camera Justification
There is no evidence that the world’s largest red-light camera program is operated as a safety program, according to a report released Tuesday by the inspector general for the city of Chicago, Illinois. The independent investigation comes as Redflex Traffic Systems continues to operate every aspect of the automated ticketing program despite Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s promise to cut ties with the Australian firm.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Maine: Legislation Would Reverse Toll Road Secrecy
The Maine state legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee on Monday reported a bill that would lift the veil of secrecy from a major toll road project and force private developers to pay for their own feasibility studies. On April 5, 2012 Governor Paul LePage (R) signed a bill ordering the state transportation department to conduct an economic feasibility study of a $2 billion, 220-mile toll road cutting across the state from east to west, connecting the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. The new bill repeals that provision.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Ohio Appeals Court Forbids Traffic Stop Over Unpaid Parking Tickets
Since April last year, Dayton, Ohio has been trying to generate millions in additional revenue by towing vehicles said to have unpaid photo enforcement or parking tickets. The city’s policy instructed police to pull over motorists and taking their car away until the alleged debt was paid. To keep a steady stream of $85 citations, Redflex Traffic Systems of Australia operates ten red-light cameras and ten speed cameras in Dayton.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
League City, Texas Red-Light Cameras Bagged
Red-light cameras in League City, Texas were covered with bags this week, but not by vigilantes. Australian camera vendor Redflex Traffic Systems had no choice but to shut down the devices.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Minnesota City Settles After Cop Uses Mace On Deaf Motorist
A police officer who lashed out at a deaf driver with whom he had difficulty communicating cost St. Paul, Minnesota $93,450 on Wednesday. The city council approved a settlement with Douglas D. Bahl, who had sued over a traffic stop that took place on Friday, November 17, 2006. Bahl is a high school teacher, but he can only express his thoughts fully in American Sign Language.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds A Little Weaving
Police officers who want to stop and interrogate a motorist often claim he “weaved within his lane” as justification. Until now, this common pretext has generally been upheld by the judges around the country. The Nebraska Supreme Court, however, expressed its doubt on Friday.
