Posted on 07/28/2013 5:18:57 AM PDT by george76
Florida drivers who unsuccessfully contest red light camera tickets will have to pay $250 in administration fees, in addition to the cost of the ticket, under a new state law that took effect this month. The state legislature authorized the higher administration fees despite revelations earlier this year that state and local governments surreptitiously reduced yellow light times at intersections with red light cameras in order to induce more red light-running and more ticket revenue.
Local governments often view the red light cameras as revenue makers, serving as a form of hidden tax on motorists. However, the enhanced “tax” money taken at the expense of motorists doesn’t always result in positive net revenue streams.
A Miami Herald investigation found Pembroke Pines in Broward County counted on red light camera money to close its annual budget deficit, but the cameras turned out to be a net drain on the city’s budget.
...
Residents ended up paying more money to government, government ended up with less net revenue, and the only winners appeared to be trial lawyers and the Arizona-based ATS.
A review of the payments made by local governments to red light camera companies reveals that red light cameras are often little more than a redistribution scheme, sending money from Florida motorists to out-of-state red light camera companies.
(Excerpt) Read more at mediatrackers.org ...
This is bull***t.. and Unconstitutional. Of course, we have long-abandoned the Constitution.
No matter what, these lights are racist.
See, one race will be caught speeding more than others. The fact that these cameras then catch said race more frequently is indicative of racism.
/liberal thought
So will the government give you $250 if you successfully win your lawsuit, for your administrative costs??
No pneumatic arms in Floriduh?
First one these I get a ticket from will be non repairable.
He took the license plate off his BMW 1000 motorcycle. He donned his helmet and drove through several automated speed traps at speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour while giving the camera the single finger salute.
He then drove home and used his car for a few days. He assumed the police "might be a little irritated with him."
Sounds good to me. This has absolutely nothing to do with safety, and everything to do with generating revenue for the state. I hope they all have “malfunctions”.
LOL, I’m betting he enjoyed that.
Using his car was probably a wise idea. :)
Somewhere around 50% of people don’t pay these stupid tickets out in AZ. Especially if you don’t live in the same city as where the ticket was issued. Get rid.
Ummm. What is it?
It would be amusing if somebody contested their citation all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, who determined that fair is fair, that if they contest their ticket and win, the city must pay them their court costs (lawyer) plus $250.
I imagine the revenue craving city fathers would lose continence with a decision like that.
EMP
"Often"? I'd substitute, "virtually always".
And The State marches on...
Here's one:
In California(bay area) fine is $441.00.About one year ago I contested red light camera ticket and won on technicality(yellow light time wasn’t up to code).
If I have to pay to exercise my God-given right to contest a traffic ticket, then I really don’t have that right.
Floriduh changed the law (about facing your accuser) to allow red-light cameras. I think it’s a code violation now to run a red light (or something).
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