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 23, 2012
New Jersey: Lawmaker Pushes Statewide Camera Ban
A New Jersey state senator wants to re-institute his state’s ban on the use of red light cameras. On Thursday, state Senator Michael J. Doherty (R-Washington Township) introduced legislation to that would force the eventual removal of the devices. Doherty also started an online petition to rally support his bill.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Delaware Supreme Court Rules Against Traffic Stop Delays
A police officer may not unreasonably delay a motorist pulled over for a traffic citation, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled last week. Many departments use minor infractions as an excuse to conduct an extensive search for possible evidence of more serious crimes. The justices ruled 4-1 against this practice.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Virginia: County Auditor Calls for Parking Ticket Quotas
Just outside the nation’s capital, Fairfax County, Virginia depends heavily on motorists to prop up its annual budget. Speed traps help generate $7.7 million in revenue through the courts and another $3.1 million from parking citations. In a quarterly report to the board of supervisors, the county Office of Financial and Program Audit (OFPA) raised the alarm that meter maids have not sufficiently productive.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
France, Germany, Latvia, Spain, UK: Speed Cameras Under Attack
Vigilantes set fire to a lucrative speed camera in Lincolnshire, England on Thursday. According to the Spalding Guardian, the automated ticketing machine on the A151 in Whaplode is the county’s number two revenue generator, pulling in £21,000 (US $33,300) per month.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Two Northern California Cities Dump Red Light Cameras
Two more California cities have given up on the use of red light cameras. On Tuesday, the city councils in Emeryville and Yuba City each voted to discontinue the use of automated ticketing machines, primarily out of a concern that the programs were failing to generate the expected amount of revenue. Officials were also upset that the programs have been tying up police resources.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Texas Judge Strikes Down Red Light Camera Referendum
A Calhoun County, Texas judge on Monday ruled that voters were prohibited from having a say in whether a foreign company can issue red light camera tickets in the city of Port Lavaca because the photo enforcement program’s primary purpose is revenue generation.
