We have all suspected that governments use speeding fines and other traffic infringements as revenue raisers to prop up their budgets.
Now comes proof from Australia and the USA that governments are addicted to the revenue from these fines and that motorists are being targeted.
It has been noted that “secret” speed cameras have been positioned along the Bucketts Way, a popular NSW motorcycle road.
Secret speed cameras on Bucketts Way
There are no warning signs as required and the only notice of their existence is on an obscure website, instead of the required public notice.
Meanwhile, the city of Paterson, New Jersey, faces a massive budget debt that could force them to sack 250 workers and force other workers to take 12 days without pay.
Their proposed answer?
They have called for the city’s police officer to issue an extra 30,000 traffic tickets a year – an extra 80 a day – to generate the $US3 million in revenue needed.
Meanwhile, the city council has the audacity to say there will be no increase in city taxes!
If you think it can only happen in America, think again.
Scotland has reduced its speed leeway to 1mph, police are hiding speed cameras in covert locations and there is a common-held suspicion that police are given traffic infringement quotas.
This does not sound like a campaign to stamp out hooligan speedsters, but to capture accidental low-level speeders, not tough outlaw bikies.
You and me!
Imagine what sort of minor infringements police will find to fine Paterson city motorists!
Meanwhile, the plan calls for police to be reassigned to traffic duties.
So what will happen with other forms of crime such as rape, burglaries and shootings?
Even if the proposal is voted down, it is still proof that governments think in terms of raising revenue through traffic infringements.