The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that a retired dentist has filed a federal lawsuit against the small Georgia town of Arcade, alleging that the Athens area municipality used “overzealous and improper tactics in creating a speed trap” along U.S. Highway 129.
According to the AJC, Arcade with four police officers generated $192,000 or 28% of its $675,000 annual budget from fines and forfeitures in 2009. In 2008, the percentage was 40%.
Local business owners complain that Arcade’s zealous traffic enforcement prompts drivers to steer clear of the town, thereby hurting private business.
If successful this private lawsuit could be turned into a class action and Arcade could face punitive damages.
Filed under Fines and Fees, Speeding Violations by on Dec 31st, 2010. Comment. 
I recently received an email from a friend of mine about a web site called the National Speed Trap Exchange. This site lists all 50 States, then breaks each State down by major city. When you click on a city, the site will show you where others have reported “speed traps” – or locations where police officers have been known to hang out with their radar guns.
Here is a link to the Georgia section of the site.
Users can vote “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” as to whether a listed location is still an active police surveillance location.
Some may disagree with putting this type of information on the Internet but I don’t think it is any different than using speed indicators to display your speed and whether you are speeding 0n a particular road. I think everyone wants to drive safely and to avoid expensive tickets, so I don’t see a problem with identifying where police with radar are located. Traffic enforcement should be about safety not about revenue enhancement by a city or county.
Filed under Fines and Fees, Speeding Violations by on Apr 26th, 2010. Comment.
