Campaign Against Road Ripoffs

[_BlackHawk_]

I'm sure some of you saw this thread at another place, but I thought it was worth getting it going again as there is some good information on it about avoiding the revenue raising that the states and police get hooked on. Now before anyone jumps down my throat (again), I'm not advocating speeding or doing anything stupid on the roads, but I am saying that you should know your rights (the few that we have) and be aware of what the police are getting up to in attempts to suck more money from your wallets. Also, before you tell me I'm a whinging driver who is just upset at getting speeding fines note I have never have any type of traffic fine ever, nor been in any car crash while I was driving.

For Victorian drivers, of which I and a few of you are, be aware that since March, Victorian police have been instructed to start fining more motorists for low level speeding; between 1 and 3kph over the speed limit. Considering that speedometers and radar guns are NOT that accurate, it's utterly ridiculous and Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill's comments that just reducing 1kph will prevent 15 deaths and 300 injuries each year is stupid. However, at least one police officer is willing to speak out about things and he should be commended for using his 42 years of experience to speak common sense (scroll down to March for the Sergeant's letter).

http://www.carr.org.au/news.htm

[Graeme H]

C'mon Brad, the age of entitlement is over, or don't you watch the news, and now you just have to pay, and keep on keepin' on paying, 'cos someone somewhere is probably, maybe responsible, but it's never the Politicians, 'cos as we all should maybe know they are perfect, just ask one.
Just consider it a new form of taxation, like road tolls you pay after you pay to build the road, then they give it to someone else to charge you for what you paid for in the first place

need to get back on my meds now

[Tony P]

Simples. Don't speed.

[_BlackHawk_]

Toll roads don't concern me too much, but if the government started to toll roads already built and paid for or block off roads to force you onto tollways, I'd object to that. I always drive around toll roads.

I might note that the Victorian government has done a good thing in reviewing it's blanket restriction on V8 and supercharged cars for P plate drivers. Finally a little sense.

[_BlackHawk_]

Simples. Don't speed.

The point is, there is a margin of error in both devices (speedo and radar guns), so although your speedo might be right on 60, you could be doing slight over or slightly under. Also, your speedo needle is wider than the margin of error being applied now. It's impossible to tell you're doing 60 or 61, even if you keep the needle a fraction under 60, you could still be over. You have to allow a reasonable margin of error, which Victoria police have abandoned for what can be construed as nothing more than revenue raising. Radar guns are also not accurate enough to ping you for 61 or 62 in a 60 zone, they just aren't.

I also think the speed limits on our roads are set too low. Our roads are very good and you could safely lift the speed limit by 10-20kph without a problem. Just remember, speed doesn't kill; inappropriate speed for the conditions you're driving in, kills. There is no known speed at which the human body ceases to function.

[hrtpaul]

I'm gonna try and not get into this one because I get rather passionate about it and the nanny state we are forced to live in

[Tony P]

Speedos read under. So no excuse unless you've messed about with your car. The issue I have are people going at 20ks under the limit. That is more dangerous.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

And somebody might chime in calling you an idiot and saying your life is worthless, all without any action being taken....oh, wait....that was another time, another place..

[Tony P]

Our roads are very good and you could safely lift the speed limit by 10-20kph without a problem.

BullSh*t, the roads are falling apart and I drive them everyday. You need a 4wd in most parts!

[tor lives]

The issue I have are people going at 20ks under the limit. That is more dangerous.

Agreed.....I find though that strategically placing a 6.0lt fuel-injected V8 SSV in their rear vision mirror can have the desired effect of moving them along a little .
TOR