Speed cameras more mobile, look like mailboxes

[enzo1]

WASHINGTON - Most people don't notice a mobile speed camera until they see a flash in the rearview mirror and realize they've been caught.

That's the idea.

Local governments are availing themselves of new mobile speed cameras that resemble mailboxes as effective and profitable ways to slow drivers down.

Prince George's County has quadrupled its supply of speed cameras over the past year, The Examiner reports.

Prince George's County expects to bring in $8 million in 2012, with a whopping $28 million in 2012.

Montgomery County recently doubled its mobile cameras and forecasts bringing in $12 million from fines in 2012.

The District received $55 million from speed citations issued in 2011.

Local police departments maintain the main purpose of the cameras is to reduce speeds, rather than increase revenues.

Movable cameras are replacing previous fixed-pole cameras, which would slow drivers down, only to have them speed up again after passing the known location.

[Brando]

Every time they put these types of "ticket machines" out they get contested and disbanded. AZ had the speed cameras, now they're gone or going away. Orange County had a series of red-light and speed cameras, many - if not all - have been removed.

The companies making these always claim they will generate tons of money for the cities but end up costing more and more just to maintain when they are unenforceable.

We, as the tax payers, lose three times on these adventures. Once for footing the bill on installation, enforcement and maintenance. Twice when we get the tickets. A third time when they've cost more than they "generate" over their lifespan.

They might as well call these things "Revenue Gererators".

[Bill Douglas]

That wouldn't last a day around here. The vandals would demolish it in no time or it would end up in someones back yard converted into a BBQ.

Our ones are 3 meters up a pole.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

That wouldn't last a day around here. The vandals would demolish it in no time or it would end up in someones back yard converted into a BBQ.

Our ones are 3 meters up a pole.

Not out of range whatsoever.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Not out of range whatsoever.

Depends on how far away you are and what sort of scope you use I imagine. I think Bill is just a poor shot.

[mikeesik]

What it takes is a balloon full of paint at night.

[mreid]

Bastages got me twice in the same week in Beltsville, MD. Place is a dive and the cameras are their primary source of income.

[Christien]

Originally Posted by enzo1

Local police departments maintain the main purpose of the cameras is to reduce speeds, rather than increase revenues.

I'll believe that when they start giving 100% of ticket revenue to charities.

If I saw a mailbox-type speed camera, I'd definitely come up from behind and paint over its lens. But probably not before giving it a good mooning while someone's speeding by

[mikeesik]

We've got a fad over here and it's those damn cameras.
Upsets me to get 3 violations in one week and not knowing who-what-where-when.
Surprise, you and your car are a celebrity.

Place a car or a cop cut out a1/2 mile away with a sign on it-your being watched.
That would be way more effective to get drivers to slow down.

My Speed is 10-12 km/per hour over the limit. That's 6-7.3 mph over the limit.
I wish they had a camera for driver incompetence. How about going too slow!

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

That wouldn't last a day around here. The vandals would demolish it in no time or it would end up in someones back yard converted into a BBQ.

Our ones are 3 meters up a pole.

Rest assured, in PG County that camera also won't last a day. That place is a huge ghetto.

My radar detector has a built-in GPS with stationary camera locations preprogrammed and is updatable on Escort's website and with periodic email notifications. It has no problem picking up the ones that work on radar well in advance. The ones that work on vascar are both easily programmable and downloadable.

[widebody911]

I was sitting at a stoplight this afternoon, and across the street, just past my light, was one of those 'warning' radar trailers. The "Your Speed" display was all over the place, even though the light was red and not a single car was moving.