good to know thanks for info:thumbsup:
Seat belts not enough for big brother Look at this
Despite the near-unanimous opposition in the state legislature to the use of speed cameras, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is moving forward on a proposal to deploy photo radar on state highways using federal gas tax funds. Legislation awaiting Governor Rick Perry's signature prohibited only municipalities -- like Marble Falls and Rhome -- from installing automated speeding ticket systems. It was silent on the possibility of a state-run system (read legislation).
TxDOT began searching in April for a vendor that, using federal funds, would allow the agency "to assess and evaluate all elements of an automated speed notification system." Once selected, the vendor would operate an average time speed camera test for at least six months on Interstate 10 near El Paso and State Highway 6 near College Station.
Time-distance ticketing systems use multiple cameras spaced far apart on a freeway. Each car is photographed once as it enters the first section of road. Miles later a second photograph is taken that allows the vehicle's average speed to be calculated from the time it took to travel between the two locations. In use in Britain under the trade name SPECS, these cameras are commonly referred to as "yellow vultures" and are among the most lucrative in the country.
In its request for proposals, TxDOT cited success of speed cameras in the UK, which generated £120 million (US $240 million) in revenue in 2003, and in Washington, DC, which has generated $217 million in revenue with its red light and speed cameras since 1999. TxDOT's vendor will send notices -- warnings at first -- to motorists driving just 5 MPH over the limit with an accuracy level of +/- 2 MPH, meaning those driving just 3 MPH over the limit could receive a photograph and letter in the mail.
The River Cities Daily Tribune, which first reported the story last week, noted that TxDOT also ordered Marble Falls to remove its speed camera van from state highways in April citing safety concerns.
"How hypocritical is that?" Marble Falls Mayor Raymond Whitman told the Daily Tribune. "I have a bit of a problem with it, not because they're using the camera, but because if it's unsafe for us to use, how can it be safe for the state to do it?"
A full copy of the TxDOT speed camera request for proposals is available in a 219k PDF file at the source link below.
Source: PDF File Automated Speed Notification Services (Texas Department of Transportation, 4/1/2007)
TxDOT began searching in April for a vendor that, using federal funds, would allow the agency "to assess and evaluate all elements of an automated speed notification system." Once selected, the vendor would operate an average time speed camera test for at least six months on Interstate 10 near El Paso and State Highway 6 near College Station.
Time-distance ticketing systems use multiple cameras spaced far apart on a freeway. Each car is photographed once as it enters the first section of road. Miles later a second photograph is taken that allows the vehicle's average speed to be calculated from the time it took to travel between the two locations. In use in Britain under the trade name SPECS, these cameras are commonly referred to as "yellow vultures" and are among the most lucrative in the country.
In its request for proposals, TxDOT cited success of speed cameras in the UK, which generated £120 million (US $240 million) in revenue in 2003, and in Washington, DC, which has generated $217 million in revenue with its red light and speed cameras since 1999. TxDOT's vendor will send notices -- warnings at first -- to motorists driving just 5 MPH over the limit with an accuracy level of +/- 2 MPH, meaning those driving just 3 MPH over the limit could receive a photograph and letter in the mail.
The River Cities Daily Tribune, which first reported the story last week, noted that TxDOT also ordered Marble Falls to remove its speed camera van from state highways in April citing safety concerns.
"How hypocritical is that?" Marble Falls Mayor Raymond Whitman told the Daily Tribune. "I have a bit of a problem with it, not because they're using the camera, but because if it's unsafe for us to use, how can it be safe for the state to do it?"
A full copy of the TxDOT speed camera request for proposals is available in a 219k PDF file at the source link below.
Source: PDF File Automated Speed Notification Services (Texas Department of Transportation, 4/1/2007)
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
I find that extremely offensive. I thought Texas stood for freedom and independence? People of Texas, stand up and fight this!
The day my E-ZPass entry and exit points on toll roads are timed to calculate my average speed is the day I turn it in and go back to the old way of handing money to the toll booth operator.
But hell, those old tickets were even time stamped, so if someone wanted to figure out your average speed, they could.
The day my E-ZPass entry and exit points on toll roads are timed to calculate my average speed is the day I turn it in and go back to the old way of handing money to the toll booth operator.
But hell, those old tickets were even time stamped, so if someone wanted to figure out your average speed, they could.
UHHHHH It always starts like this. I don't want to see speed cameras on every freeway 10 years down the road. Too much governmental control is always a bad, bad thing. If 10 years from now you basically can't speed because you will get a ticket, then wtf do we do? 65mph on a freeway is bullshit.
<<I find that extremely offensive. I thought Texas stood for freedom and independence? People of Texas, stand up and fight this!>>
Don't ever believe that Texas stands for freedom and independence!!! Having now lived here going on two years, I find that Texas is worse than other places I have lived--Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, and California.
And the drivers here, worse still. The only thing TxDOT is right about is that they will make a fortune using these things. I am no slow-poke on the highway, but I feel like I am pedaling compared to most other drivers here. If the speed limit is 50, they go 70-75---if it's 60 they go 80-90. Even on the over-crowded, narrow North Texas I-35. And the tailgating is the worst I have EVER experienced. Don't get in the fast lane unless you plan to go at least 20-30 over the speed limit, cause you will have an SUV, a pick-up, or some thing almost literally bump-drafting you.
Scary place to drive. Cameras will only make it worse becuase people will be speeding up and slowing down that much more often--rear-end collisons will mushroom.
Now do you want to know how I really feel??:smack
Don't ever believe that Texas stands for freedom and independence!!! Having now lived here going on two years, I find that Texas is worse than other places I have lived--Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, and California.
And the drivers here, worse still. The only thing TxDOT is right about is that they will make a fortune using these things. I am no slow-poke on the highway, but I feel like I am pedaling compared to most other drivers here. If the speed limit is 50, they go 70-75---if it's 60 they go 80-90. Even on the over-crowded, narrow North Texas I-35. And the tailgating is the worst I have EVER experienced. Don't get in the fast lane unless you plan to go at least 20-30 over the speed limit, cause you will have an SUV, a pick-up, or some thing almost literally bump-drafting you.
Scary place to drive. Cameras will only make it worse becuase people will be speeding up and slowing down that much more often--rear-end collisons will mushroom.
Now do you want to know how I really feel??:smack
On the News Today
Texas has already sent out over 100 warnings for red light infractions and will begin ticketing next week. The Cameras are already insatalled at most Dallas intersections. I assume they can be turned on remotely.
As for speeding. There is a lot of it here. Far more speeders here than in California. Detriot area also has a lot of speedy drivers.
If I was a State Trooper I would be concerned that camera tickets would result in a RIF.
:cheers:
Texas has already sent out over 100 warnings for red light infractions and will begin ticketing next week. The Cameras are already insatalled at most Dallas intersections. I assume they can be turned on remotely.
As for speeding. There is a lot of it here. Far more speeders here than in California. Detriot area also has a lot of speedy drivers.
If I was a State Trooper I would be concerned that camera tickets would result in a RIF.
:cheers:
It would not surprise me if in the future auto makers will be required install some type of system that won't allow you to start your car unless the seat belt is engaged.:down:
You are 100% right. But I got a ticket for doing 80 in a 70 near Amarillo. You wouldn't think my out-of-state plate had anything to do with it, would you?? I will do everything humanly possible to avoid TX from here on out....<<I find that extremely offensive. I thought Texas stood for freedom and independence? People of Texas, stand up and fight this!>>
Don't ever believe that Texas stands for freedom and independence!!! Having now lived here going on two years, I find that Texas is worse than other places I have lived--Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, and California.
And the drivers here, worse still. The only thing TxDOT is right about is that they will make a fortune using these things. I am no slow-poke on the highway, but I feel like I am pedaling compared to most other drivers here. If the speed limit is 50, they go 70-75---if it's 60 they go 80-90. Even on the over-crowded, narrow North Texas I-35. And the tailgating is the worst I have EVER experienced. Don't get in the fast lane unless you plan to go at least 20-30 over the speed limit, cause you will have an SUV, a pick-up, or some thing almost literally bump-drafting you.
Scary place to drive. Cameras will only make it worse becuase people will be speeding up and slowing down that much more often--rear-end collisons will mushroom.
Now do you want to know how I really feel??:smack
I'm glad i don't live in Texas.
then you do what my grandpa dose in his lexus, buckle the seat belt first then sit down over it, or buy an extra seatbelt buckle with no belt and leave that always clicked in (i actually beleive in seatbelts and never leave without wearing one, but im not hear to preach, if you dont like them you shouldnt have to wear them. IMO)... car will never know. as far as camera are concearned i say bring them on, ill get one of the electroluminesent plate covers that will keep my plate unreadable, i like this movement towards technology, those who impose it feel its superior when in reality its easier to fool. i.e. emissions testing only reading your computer for CELs, all you need to run no cats is a tune, where before youd have to pass visual inspection by a person...It would not surprise me if in the future auto makers will be required install some type of system that won't allow you to start your car unless the seat belt is engaged.:down:
Well that sucks...
I do like the red light cameras though, they need those down in Houston because those people are about 10X worse than up in dallas.
06texasc6: you've got it on the shitty drivers down here. I was coming up to dallas the other day doing about 75-80 and this F350 pulling a 3 axle trailer went flying by me, had to be doing at least 95 :crazy: That and those damn women in their hummers that can barely see over the steering wheel really piss me off
I do like the red light cameras though, they need those down in Houston because those people are about 10X worse than up in dallas.
06texasc6: you've got it on the shitty drivers down here. I was coming up to dallas the other day doing about 75-80 and this F350 pulling a 3 axle trailer went flying by me, had to be doing at least 95 :crazy: That and those damn women in their hummers that can barely see over the steering wheel really piss me off
This is &*#[email protected]'ing great! :down:
As sinisterc6 mentioned, a little something to battle back with:
http://www.backstreetinline.com/photoblocker/ :devil:
http://www.backstreetinline.com/photoblocker/ :devil:
They did that in 1974, it lasted one year.It would not surprise me if in the future auto makers will be required install some type of system that won't allow you to start your car unless the seat belt is engaged.:down:
<<I find that extremely offensive. I thought Texas stood for freedom and independence? People of Texas, stand up and fight this!>>
Don't ever believe that Texas stands for freedom and independence!!! Having now lived here going on two years, I find that Texas is worse than other places I have lived--Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, and California.
And the drivers here, worse still. The only thing TxDOT is right about is that they will make a fortune using these things. I am no slow-poke on the highway, but I feel like I am pedaling compared to most other drivers here. If the speed limit is 50, they go 70-75---if it's 60 they go 80-90. Even on the over-crowded, narrow North Texas I-35. And the tailgating is the worst I have EVER experienced. Don't get in the fast lane unless you plan to go at least 20-30 over the speed limit, cause you will have an SUV, a pick-up, or some thing almost literally bump-drafting you.
Scary place to drive. Cameras will only make it worse becuase people will be speeding up and slowing down that much more often--rear-end collisons will mushroom.
Now do you want to know how I really feel??:smack
ahhahahahahhahahahahahha that is soo funny because it is so true. have been living here in the houston area for 16 years. the biggest stereo type would be a a ford truck lifted. maybe they are tailgaiting b/c your driving like incredibly slow in the fast lane... or they could be drafting to get better gas milage with their 10 mpg truck? Houston is such a rush everywhere you go. Texas does stand for freedom and independence. We are the greatest state in the nation. You know that saying everythings bigger in texas.
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
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