Speeding tickets. Why the angst?

[rastuscat]

There is an answer to the angst caused by ticketing against the speed limit, many clues to it are in this thread, and it is not as trivial as you imply.

Please consider this: In one year almost 900000 speeding tickets were issued in NZ - an equivalent of 27% of the population. What sort of "crime" is so universal that 27% of the population is convicted of it? Are so many people really so criminal?

It's not a crime. It's an infringement. Still, you've not let the facts stand in the way of a good posting so far, so why change now.

We don't paint people who get tickets as criminals, maybe you should stop too.

Given that so many people haven't received a speed ticket, I guess that means there are a lot of slow learners out there.

[Parlane]

Given that so many people haven't received a speed ticket, I guess that means there are a lot of slow learners out there.

Statistics just haven't caught up to them yet.

[Ocean1]

It's not a crime. It's an infringement. Still, you've not let the facts stand in the way of a good posting so far, so why change now.

We don't paint people who get tickets as criminals, maybe you should stop too.

Given that so many people haven't received a speed ticket, I guess that means there are a lot of slow learners out there.

Weak. He's raised a valid point, when most of the population break a rule every day and a quarter of them get fined or have their freedom restricted for doing so each year there's really only one conclusion. The rule's a bad one.

[Jack Miller]

It's not a crime. It's an infringement. We don't paint people who get tickets as criminals,

If they disagree you prosecute them and make them defend themselves in court in front of a Judge. What is that if not treating them as criminals?

[Zedder]

It's not a crime. It's an infringement. Still, you've not let the facts stand in the way of a good posting so far, so why change now.

We don't paint people who get tickets as criminals, maybe you should stop too.

Given that so many people haven't received a speed ticket, I guess that means there are a lot of slow learners out there.

Unfortunately I don't think it would matter what you say Rtc, the mere fact that you're a traffic cop to some people means you're on "the other side" and are fighting an uphill battle from the start.

[Parlane]

If they disagree you prosecute them and make them defend themselves in court in front of a Judge. What is that if not treating them as criminals?

It's actually worse than a criminal charge. You are guilty until proven innocent. Which I'm sure you know very well Jack.

(I've read your case related thread, no need to go into it all again)

[Scuba_Steve]

It's not a crime.

it's not???

crime |krīm|
noun
an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law : shoplifting was a serious crime.
• illegal activities : the victims of crime.
• an action or activity that, although not illegal, is considered to be evil, shameful, or wrong : they condemned apartheid as a crime against humanity | it's a crime to keep a creature like Willy in a tank.

[Parlane]

Unfortunately I don't think it would matter what you say Rtc, the mere fact that you're a traffic cop to some people means you're on "the other side" and are fighting an uphill battle from the start.

I think most of us see RC as more than just "the other side". I doubt even Jack would disagree.

[rastuscat]

If they disagree you prosecute them and make them defend themselves in court in front of a Judge.

I've never MADE anyone defend themselves of anything. It's entirely their choice.

What is that if not treating them as criminals?

Criminals tend to have their wrists warmed with bracelets. Can't recall the last time I banged someone up for a traffic infringement.

[rastuscat]

Weak. He's raised a valid point, when most of the population break a rule every day and a quarter of them get fined or have their freedom restricted for doing so each year there's really only one conclusion. The rule's a bad one.

Yup, sorry, it was weak, and he does have a valid point.

Damn, let myself down there.

[scumdog]

There is an answer to the angst caused by ticketing against the speed limit, many clues to it are in this thread, and it is not as trivial as you imply.

Please consider this: In one year almost 900000 speeding tickets were issued in NZ - an equivalent of 27% of the population. What sort of "crime" is so universal that 27% of the population is convicted of it? Are so many people really so criminal?

Ahem, using that logic: I was recently told almost 12,000,000 Maccas burgers were sold in one year, equivalent to about three times the population.

What happened to the other two-thirds of the population???

I suspect that the '27%' you mention includes a shitload of people that got more than one ticket for speeding (there must be - I didn't get one)

So in fact it could have been 11.5% or less couldn't it?? couldn't it?

Are you a politician?

Or a full time troll?

Or both?

But keep going, I'm entertained, pulling wings off flies has lost its appeal since you started on KB!!

[scumdog]

it's not???

crime |krīm|
noun
an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law : shoplifting was a serious crime.
• illegal activities : the victims of crime.
• an action or activity that, although not illegal, is considered to be evil, shameful, or wrong : they condemned apartheid as a crime against humanity | it's a crime to keep a creature like Willy in a tank.

Ah c'mon skoobersteve, check out what constitutes a 'crime' under NZ law...

[rastuscat]

It's actually worse than a criminal charge. You are guilty until proven innocent. Which I'm sure you know very well Jack.

Nope, almost but not quite right.

A person is only guilty of an infringement upon having been declared so by a JP or judge, or having paid the fine. Until then it is simply an allegation.

But I see your point. In the real world, taking a day off to sit in court and defend a ticket is onerous. I'm sure lots of people just pay the fine because it's easier to do that than invoke their rights.

[scumdog]

Weak. He's raised a valid point, when most of the population break a rule every day and a quarter of them get fined or have their freedom restricted for doing so each year there's really only one conclusion. The rule's a bad one.

Only in the eyes of those affected by it some would say...


But can you direct me to the facts that state 'a quarter of the population get fined or have their freedom restricted' please??

[ducatilover]

If they disagree you prosecute them and make them defend themselves in court in front of a Judge. What is that if not treating them as criminals?

What's wrong with that? The safety of the general populace isn't to be taken lightly.