OT: Speed Cams

[Bryan O'Neal]

I believe their contract gives them a base amount plus an amount variable
with the number and severity of the tickets generated. In turn they assume
all liability for installment and maintenance of the cameras (save graffiti
and other vandalism that does not require technical repair to resume
operation of the camera) and the state picks up the cost of enforcement.
Rite now it does not make that much money for the state.  I can't find the
stats but the last I heard was something really small like $50K/Mo in net
revenue due to the unenforceable nature of the tickets.

-----Original Message-----
From: plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of Dorian
A. Monroe, II
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 11:57 AM
To: Main PLUG discussion list
Subject: Re: OT: Speed Cams

Maybe I'm too idealistic, but I don't believe that they were put in place
only for the money.  The company that built the cameras is not getting a cut
of the profits.  They are getting paid according to a contract that they've
signed with the government.  If no revenue was generated from tickets as a
result of the cameras, they would still get their money according to the
contract.

There is no dollar amount that can be set for the value of a life. 
Accidents and injuries on the highways are now lower than they were before
the cameras were put in place.  The most likely variable that influenced the
reduction in injuries is the presence of the cameras. 
It's my opinion that the people that are against cameras have a disregard
for the lives of others.

In the past, I thought that it may even be a good idea to create an
additional class of driver's license for people that could prove that they
are capable of driving safer at higher speeds.  Having more extensive
driving exams and frequent and strict car inspections for these people would
allow them to drive maybe an extra 10mph over the posted limit with
designated plates or something.  My views on this changed after I had my
daughter.  :)

The problem is that no matter how well you can drive, you still have to be
concerned about everyone else on the road.  There have been times when I'm
driving down the road at the speed limit and paying attention to the road
(in front of me, primarily) to have someone pass in the adjacent lane some
20+mph faster than me.  They came up so quickly that perhaps in the timing
of my rearward glances I missed them and then all of a sudden they're beside
me and gone.  Maybe they're a really "good" 
driver, but it shocks the beejeezus out of me.  Now what if I had decided to
change lanes, or if anything unexpected were to happen? 
Debris on the road?  What if I were someone that didn't have good reflexes?
I would be really mad if that person caused me to have an accident.  I would
be heartbroken and destroyed if anything were to happen to my daughter as a
result of someone else's disregard for safety.

There are many arguments for and against the speed cameras, like the right
to face your accuser in court.  If you've had your picture taken by one of
these cameras, you were breaking a law.  If you were to get pulled over by
an officer, you would most likely get a fine and points on your license.
Your insurance may go up.  If you've had a couple accidents in the past and
already have enough points you may lose your license.  If you get your
picture taken, you only have a fine.  It's a trade-off that I think is
acceptable.


On Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 11:20 AM , Charles Jones wrote:

> Personally to me the fact whether or not speed cameras save lives is 
> irrelevant.  The  #1 reason the speed cameras were installed was due 
> to the money they would bring in, not for our safety.  Yet when people 
> complain about them, they try to play the safety card instead of just 
> admitting they are loving their new cash cow (and so is the company 
> that installed the cameras that is getting a cut of the profits).
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