When EZ Pass came into being I predicted that the state would look at the time it took to go from entering a highway to whatever toll and calculate the average speed. If that speed exceeded the maximum speed limit on the road then the driver (or owner of the vehicle) would get a ticket in the mail. The logic behind it is clear:
If speeding in and of itself is a danger then everyone who is speeding ought to be "brought to justice" in order to make roads "safe". Previously with only human patrols available, you could only catch so many speeders. However, now with technology (including cameras) you can catch *every* speeder and collect on them. Hence making the roads "safer".
Who doesn't want "safer roads"?
Think of the NJ Turnpike. The *average* speed is near 80mph. Which means *everybody* is speeding. How many millions of cars travel that highway (at least the portions in which you can do that speed)? How much is the fine?
Do the math.
You don't think the states haven't been looking at that potential windfall?
Well here we go:
"Effective August 1, 2022, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge carrying I-10 is now a “highway safety corridor,” per a recently signed law. As a “highway safety corridor,” the standard fine for speeding of $175 would double to $350 following a one-time warning. Subsequent speeding violations would result in $1000 fines.
Anyone who makes it across the 18 mile long bridge in under 18 minutes would been in violation of the 60 m.p.h. speed limit for passenger vehicles and the 55 m.p.h. speed limit for trucks."
Like I said.
Just like I told you about the NYC speed cameras that were original placed in school zones in order to "protect the children". Especially those children out at 10PM. Now they get to stay on 24/7/365 and revenue has nothing at all to do with it. Nothing.
I will say this though, their comment about trucks in the right lane is dead on. The solution is to fine trucks who are clearly in the right lane (when not passing) rather than speed. Same for passenger vehicles. If a passenger vehicle is caught blocking traffic in the right lane, fine them. It is these obstructions that are the causes of problems, not the speed at which the traffic is moving.
