Speed Camera Slay(Of Operator) Fuels Debate In Arizona

[RamboLiberal]

The debate over the first statewide speed camera enforcement program in the nation has reached a boiling point following the fatal shooting of a camera operator.

Critics of Arizona's program condemned the killing but vow they'll continue to fight what they call unfair and overly intrusive government. Supporters of the program say camera opponents have inflamed the public, and that the speed cameras have made highways safer.

Doug Georgianni, 51, was killed on April 19, as he operated a speed-enforcement van on a Phoenix freeway. Thomas Patrick Destories, a 68-year-old Phoenix man, is being held in Maricopa County jail on a first-degree murder charge in the death. He has declined to comment.

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Arizonans have used sticky notes, Silly String and even a pickax to sabotage the cameras since September when they began snapping photos of highway speeders driving 11 mph or more over the speed limit.

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Warriner said critics have blamed his agency for the killing "when all we're doing is administering a program that was mandated by state Legislature and the former governor.

"Because of (critics') vocalness, you could almost say they've led to this, too - because of their protests, the encouragement of people to strike out," he said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/27/national/main4970751.shtml?tag=topHome;topStories

I don't condone the killing - but I'm against these cameras which to me is only a tax on motorists.

[Taverner]

1. Come on! You don't kill the Operator! Be like the brits and set fire to the contraption

http://www.speedcam.co.uk/index2.htm

[Robb]

2. They put a bunch in here this past year

...on some downtown streets intersections that were famous for people running yellows and reds and causing gridlock during rush hour. I remember the guys putting them in had signs on their backs that said "JUST DOING MY JOB!!" :D

Anyhow, they worked as a deterrent after about a week. No more gridlock at 5:15. :shrug:

[sinkingfeeling]

3. So you don't believe in traffice (speed) laws or you don't believe violators should be fined?

[RamboLiberal]

5. First make the speed limits realistic

Should be what 80% of traffic drives at. There's too many roads with artifically low speed limits. I don't like the idea of a camera taking the pic and mailing "the driver" a ticket. Let me confront my accuser in court.

And IMHO fines are too damn high!

And for the record the last traffic ticket I had was 12 years ago.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Most cameras are used within city limits. No reason at all for traffic to move over 45 MPH anywhere

in an urban setting. Most areas that have many entrances to the street and people walking should be under 30 MPH. If you don't like the fines, don't speed.

[The2ndWheel]

4. Fighting a losing battle

The cameras aren't going anywhere. They'll just make cameras to watch the cameras.

[adamuu]

7. you just blew my mind n/t

[snooper2]

8. There is a REAL easy fix to this...

just spend a little money! :evilgrin:

I was going to design one of these with a cable mechanism but this is much better- would have to be modified for U.S. plate, haven't found one in the states yet.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16963

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