In this week’s TheNewspaper.com Roundup!
–Car Seizure ruling in CA–
–VA Activist appeals toll diversion case–
–PA Fed Court upholds headphone traffic stop–
Friday, June 23, 2017
California: Federal Appeals Court Overturns Car Seizure Policy
Police in California can now be sued if they seize and hold the automobiles of innocent parties without good reason. The Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals on Wednesday gave the green light to a class action against the Los Angeles Police Department seeking compensation for owners who had their cars taken for 30 days or more — racking up $1800 in fees — because someone else with a suspended license drove the vehicle.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Virginia Activist Appeals Ruling Over Diversion Of Toll Road Money
Free market advocate Phil Kerpen is not backing down from his argument that the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is violating the law when it takes toll money from motorists to fund a transit project. Since 2008, MWAA has used Virginia’s Dulles Toll Road to finance a $2.8 billion Metrorail project. Last month, US District Judge James C. Cacheris said he was just fine with that.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Canada: Government Ombudsman Slams Speed Cam Secrecy
Hidden speed camera traps are so common in Winnipeg, Canada that members of the public have taken action. An active Facebook group tracks the locations of photo radar vans, and volunteers take time out of their day to stand on the roadside holding large yellow signs to warn fellow motorists of the trap up ahead. On Monday, the Manitoba Ombudsman released her report siding with these members of the public seeking greater government transparency.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Pennsylvania: Federal Court Upholds Headphone Traffic Stop
A federal judge believes police should have the the power to pull over anyone who may potentially be wearing a headphone behind the wheel. US District Judge Yvette Kane last week sided with Pennsylvania prosecutors who sought to preserve police discretion when stopping motorists, even when it is not clear they are violating the law.
Monday, June 19, 2017
China, France: Speed Cameras Taken Out
A license plate reading camera used to issue automated parking tickets in Qingdao, China was disabled with a coat of paint last week, ThePaper.cn reported. In Coteaux, France, the speed camera on the RD958 was spraypainted white on Friday, according to La Republique du Centre. The speed camera on the RD934 in Beaurains-les-Noyon was disabled for the fourth time on Tuesday by having its lenses smashed, the Courrier Picard reported. On the same evening in Saint-Ferjeux, the speed camera on the D9 was spraypainted orange, according to Est Republicain.
