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, February 12, 2014
Maryland: Local Government Blocks Speed Camera Accuracy Reform
The photo enforcement industry has been reeling from admissions of widespread bribery and evidence of widespread speed camera inaccuracy. In Baltimore, Maryland, 58 percent of citations issued by one camera went to drivers who were not speeding, but lobbyists for speed camera companies and local governments have scrambled to ensure lawmakers do not attempt any major corrective action.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Florida Legislative Report Pans Red-Light Camera Safety
Revenue from red-light cameras in Florida has more than tripled in the past year, from $38 to $119 million, but a report by the state’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability found no commensurate jump in traffic safety. In a report released Friday, the analysts for the legislative branch surveyed the 79 jurisdictions that use automated ticketing machines to determine the impact the devices have had since they were authorized in 2010.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Florida Appeals Court Backs Ft Lauderdale Red-Light Camera
Red-light cameras are under increasing legal scrutiny in Florida. The state’s highest court in November heard oral arguments in a case that could force the refund of every ticket issued prior to July 2010. A Florida state House committee in January recommended passage of legislation that would zero out the ability of local jurisdictions to profit from the use of automated ticketing machines. The state Court of Appeals last Wednesday thought it would reverse the trend by upholding a photo ticket and the system used to issue it.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
France, Germany: Ticket Cameras Smashed, Sprayed, Scorched
Vigilantes in Amelungsborn, Germany smashed a traffic camera on Wednesday. According to Stader Tageblatt, a hammer or similar tool was used to break the glass lens of the device.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Redflex Faces Employment Discrimination Lawsuit
Redflex Traffic Systems is in the news for the alleged use of bribes to land contracts in a scandal that has spread to a dozen states. The firm’s woes have taken a toll in the form of lost contracts, including that of Chicago, Illinois, cutting business by 25 percent of its business. The company is also defending against an ongoing employment lawsuit claiming the Redflex office in the US harbors anti-Australian bias.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
South Dakota House Near Unanimous On Photo Ticketing Ban
In the South Dakota House of Representatives, Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: They do not want red-light cameras or speed cameras operating in the state. By a vote of 69 to 1 on Wednesday, lower chamber lawmakers gave final approval to a photo ticketing ban that leaves no room for private companies to mail citations to residents.
