[Jeff Higgins]

I've said it before and I'll say it again - we need to remove the financial incentive from traffic enforcement. There is a clear conflict of interest on the part of any jurisdiction whose only form of punishment levied against motorists is in the form of fines. This would not pass muster in any other situation.

The manner in which laws have been changed to ease the conviction and collection process are simply appalling. There is absolutely no real burden of proof placed upon the authorities anymore; the entire burden now rests with the citizen to prove their innocence. I wonder if this would remain the case if there was an alternative to the fine. Picking up litter along the freeway, for instance. Serving food in a homeless shelter. Stuff like that. Activities that benefit the community, but require the authorities to supervise and likewise fund. I bet if enforcement resulted in a negative cash flow, or at best breaking even, this insane enforcement situation would dissapear overnight.