Speeding Cameras

[BrandonT858]

I am not sure if everyone is familiar with these cameras but essentially (at least where I live) the police park vans on the sidewalk and take pictures of speeders through a camera in the back window.

I was driving yesterday and spotted two of these vans posted up within a five mile radius. For some reason I feel this is a extreme violation of rights. We as tax payers pay for the roads and I feel that cops should not be able ticket citizens by posting up cameras in unsuspecting areas. I was wondering why as tax payers we do not get to Vote and decide whether or not we want cameras enforcing speed?

[bobman0330]

You're saying that the vans contain human officers who take pictures using a camera? Suggesting that that's a violation of your rights is pretty ridiculous.

[BCPVP]

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For some reason I feel this is a extreme violation of rights. We as tax payers pay for the roads and I feel that cops should not be able ticket citizens by posting up cameras in unsuspecting areas. I was wondering why as tax payers we do not get to Vote and decide whether or not we want cameras enforcing speed?

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What specific right are they violating? Your right to speed?

[BrandonT858]

My right to not be monitored and ticketed through a camera. I also think that the public should be able to vote on whether or not these cameras should be on the roads.

[Poofler]

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My right to not be monitored and ticketed through a camera. I also think that the public should be able to vote on whether or not these cameras should be on the roads.

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You don't have the right to "not be monitored and ticketed through a camera". It's basically a robocop. Why is it different if a machine does it instead of a person? It's not invading your home, you're out in the public streets. Also, voters have struck down these camera schemes in the past.

[BrandonT858]

Going w/ the topic thought this was interesting. http://www.i-go-cars.com/autos/legis...dar-detectors/

[MelchyBeau]

Here in San Diego at certain intersections we have cameras. They will only take a picture if you run a red light. It is pretty obvious that they are there, as they are in big white boxes that look like a camera belongs in them, and in some places they have signs up saying photo enforcement is in effect. They even block out the passenger side of the car when a picture is taken.

It also sounds like these cars are marked as police vehicles. Do you find cameras on police cars that are used when making a traffic stop a violation of your rights as well?

As a taxpayer I should have the right to feel safe on the road

[Skidoo]

Interesting that the driver signs no promise to appear.

[BrandonT858]

Some may find it a distraction on the road. I think it is often safer to be driving 5-10 mph faster than the speed limit. Also the they are just white Astro vans that they park on the sidewalk in random spots on different days.

[BrandonT858]

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Interesting that the driver signs no promise to appear.

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True, I have heard that if you just throw away the ticket the Police will have to eventually send an officer to your house to make you sign.