GA - bill to limit local police on interstates

from: landlinemag (dot) com

December 11, 2009


Georgia lawmakers have started prefiling bills in the weeks leading up to the beginning of the 2010 regular session. One effort is intended to put the brakes on communities that use speed radar as a moneymaker.

Sponsored by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, R-Sharpsburg, the bill targets towns that have police patrol spots on interstates and issue tickets as a way to generate revenue. If approved, municipalities would be prohibited from running radar on interstates.

Seabaugh said the goal of his legislation isn’t to eliminate the use of radar. He simply wants to ensure it is used properly. He said that several of his constituents have “complained about particular cities they have driven through with seven or eight patrol cars sitting on the side of the road running radar. Their question was how could they be properly protecting the citizenry of that city when they’re out there on the interstate running radar.”

He wants to put the clamps on communities to prevent abuse of authority to issue tickets on interstates as a way to rake in revenue.

Speed enforcement on interstates should be left to sheriff’s deputies and Georgia State Patrol troopers, Seabaugh said.

With local governments confronted with tight budgets, he said it appears that some communities are getting lured into the prospects of making an easy buck.

“I think there are city councils that view this as being easy money. They don’t want to make tough decisions on cutting expenses or raising taxes. But they shouldn’t be looking for gimmicks for an easy way to raise revenue. Enforcement has to have integrity,” Seabaugh said.

The bill – SB295 – is awaiting consideration for the session that begins in mid January.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Georgia in 2009, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Cool, but I kind of like them out there!!!:eek:

Why isn't Fritter chiming in that its about safety? Sorry... couldn't resist!

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Originally Posted by The Chariot

Why isn't Fritter chiming in that its about safety? Sorry... couldn't resist!

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They are making it safer on the interstate, it's the 10 robberies and murders that are going on at the same time while they collect a few hundred dollars for the city that cancels that safety factor out!

I'll be finding out shortly! Road trip! All countermeasures ready and the CB is in the F150.

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Originally Posted by category4

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Originally Posted by The Chariot

Why isn't Fritter chiming in that its about safety? Sorry... couldn't resist!

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They are making it safer on the interstate, it's the 10 robberies and murders that are going on at the same time while they collect a few hundred dollars for the city that cancels that safety factor out!

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yeah I saw this on the news tonight, it was right in between break-in / store hold-up / home invasion, etc. Thats why I don't usually watch the local news...its pretty scary.

Who knows if this law will ever pass, or what form it will be in...I'm sure there will be enough lopeholes that it wouldn't make that much of a difference.

I predict bankruptcy for the cities of: Pooler, Richmond Hill and Kingsland

Provided this legislation passes....Actually re-reading this it doesn't mention laser enforcement, so there is the loophole.

Actually, the state has been quite serious over the years about stopping outright abuse (ie, they only want enough abuse to prevent voters from squealing at the voting booth). Examples of laws passed specifically because of small Georgia town abuse:

1. No citing under 11 over the PSL with radar/lidar except in school and historic zones.
2. No ticketing for over the PSL on grades 7% or steeper.
3. Most recently, changing the law to require all yellow lights to a minimum time (I think its 4 seconds now).

Sure there are others, but those stick out in my mind.

This is the sole reason PA does not allow local to use radar, they know they would use it as an easy means to collect money.