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, March 20, 2013
Pennsylvania: Eight Charged In Toll Road Scandal
Top officials at a toll road in Pennsylvania have been charged with shaking down motorists and pocketing the cash. Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane last week filed charges against a former state senator, two contractors and five Pennsylvania Turnpike employees, including the CEO, chief financial officer and a commissioner.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Arizona Town Has Photo Enforcement Lobbyist Conduct Audit
In response to allegations of wrong doing with its photo enforcement system, the town of Prescott Valley, Arizona turned to industry insider John D. Wintersteen to conduct an audit. The results were published earlier this month.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Utah: Court Rules Cops Cannot Extend Traffic Stop
After a police officer hands a driver back his license and registration, the traffic stop cannot continue, a federal court ruled. On Friday, the US District Court for the District of Utah dismissed all charges against Ramon A. Lopez, a man who had been pulled over for having a towel in his window at around 10:50am on May 9, 2012.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
France, UK: Speed Cameras Sawed, Spraypainted
In Colmar, France vigilantes used silver spraypaint on a speed camera. The lenses on the device on the RN83 were completely covered, L’Alsace reported.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Florida Moves Major Red-Light Camera Reform
Opponents of automated ticketing machines in Florida concede they lack the votes to get a repeal of the state’s red-light camera law through the legislature. As the next best option, state Representative Frank Artiles (R-Miami) moved a bill addressing some of the biggest complaints: due process concerns, the duration of yellow lights and tickets for boulevard stops. The bill sailed through the state House Economic Affairs Committee with a 12-4 vote on Thursday. Some of the changes would have a primarily symbolic impact.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Another Red-Light Camera Firm Reports Financial Loss
Redflex Traffic Systems is not the only red-light camera company in financial trouble. Brekford Corporation, an upstart competitor based in Maryland, reported on Friday a net loss of $1,266,671 for 2012. The company collected $18,295,906 in revenue, which represents both receipts from automated tickets and payments for various “electronic ticketing” and other information technology products and services the firm sells.
