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, October 09, 2013
Credit Rating Firm Catalogs Toll Road Woes
Fitch Ratings, sees trouble ahead for toll road projects and public private partnerships in general. In a report issued Monday, the credit rating agency outlined the failures of tolling and related projects in the United States and around the world, though the agency remains optimistic on the viability of this road funding mechanism.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Virginia: Short Yellows, Red-Light Cameras Increase Accidents
Accidents increased at the intersections where red-light cameras were installed in Newport News, Virginia. An analysis of six years’ worth of collision data by the National Motorists Association (NMA) confirmed that use of photo enforcement failed to deliver on the promise of improved safety in the town of 180,000.
Monday, October 07, 2013
California: Municipal Discontent With Red-Light Cameras On The Rise
Poway, California is poised to become next on the growing list of cities dropping red-light cameras. On October 15, the city council is scheduled to vote on ending the photo ticketing for good after the devices were turned off for six months to test of whether their use actually made a difference. The results are in, and the devices did no good.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, UK: Speed Cameras Disabled
Vigilantes in Swansea, Wales set fire to a speed camera just after midnight on Tuesday. A fire crew was able to extinguish the blaze on Pentregethin Road in Manselton. From 2006 to 2011, thirteen speed cameras in the area have been torched, the South Wales Evening Post reported. In Petersborough, England vigilantes destroyed the speed camera on Oundle Road with a burning tire at 12:30am on September 22. The speed camera advocacy organization Brake condemned the attack.
Friday, October 04, 2013
Michigan Legislation Would Boot Cars With Overdue Library Books
Motorists accused of failing to pay any government fee, no matter how insignificant, could find their cars held for ransom until the alleged debt is paid under legislation introduced last month in the Michigan state legislature. State Senator John Proos (R-St. Joseph) introduced a bill that would empower local jurisdictions to attach immobilizing boots to cars if an official says its registered owner has an overdue library book or an unpaid parking ticket.
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Iowa To Regulate Speed Cameras On State Highways
Local jurisdictions will no longer be free to install speed cameras or red-light cameras on state roads in Iowa without prior approval from the state. On Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Transportation published the rules it intends to use to limit and regulate the use of automated ticketing machines. In announcing the policy, department officials admitted improper use of speed cameras can actually cause accidents.
