Speeding tickets. Why the angst?

[Jack Miller]

I accept that there has to be a limit and that in some circumstances a cop will apply discretion and some not. Last year on the cantubury plains I followed a cop (Highway Patrol) at a constant 125kmh. When we got to a passing lane, he waved me on, as I passed him I was doing 135, I pulled in in front of him and slowed back to 125ish. He didnt do anything except disappear in my mirrors as I slowly pulled away from him. Same when leaving Hokitika for Greymouth, cop accelerated out of the 70kmh zone straight up to 130 then settled to 120-125 all the way to Greymouth. I gassed up, pulled back onto the road and he was sitting in a 50kmh zone issuing a ticket.
The issue for me is that they set a standard that I measure all other cops by. So when I get pulled over doing 108, Im going to get a bit pissed about it.
I think this kind of behaviour sends mixed messages and confuses us poor ol bikers.

Yeah, it's bad enough that we have to defensively assume every other road user is a "lowest common denominator" driver without also having to ride assuming every crest, tree or sign hides a "lowest common denominator" enforcer.

[Zedder]

Yeah, it's bad enough that we have to defensively assume every other road user is a "lowest common denominator" driver without also having to ride assuming every crest, tree or sign hides a "lowest common denominator" enforcer.

The 'lowest common denominator" concept that underpins the traffic laws is actually an insult to intelligent law abiding citizens.

It's not something I like but that's the way it is at the moment.

How do we change it?

It starts with us. Like others have been saying, don't speed and do other unlawful acts. Who knows, some of the rules may change for the better due to our actions.

[Parlane]

The 'lowest common denominator" concept that underpins the traffic laws is actually an insult to intelligent law abiding citizens.

It's not something I like but that's the way it is at the moment.

How do we change it?

It starts with us. Like others have been saying, don't speed and do other unlawful acts. Who knows, some of the rules may change for the better due to our actions.

What's that? No one speeds? I guess that means we can bring the speed limits down further! That way, the crashes that are still happening at 90km/h, can happen at 80 km/h instead!

Fixed.

[swbarnett]

I remember when the Police slogan was "The faster you go the bigger the mess"

That statement is true.

Actually, the statement is false. What would be correct is "The faster you hit the bigger the mess".

[Jack Miller]

The 'lowest common denominator" concept that underpins the traffic laws is actually an insult to intelligent law abiding citizens.
It's not something I like but that's the way it is at the moment.
How do we change it?

We can't. The Popo's have to eliminate these low-lifers from the force. I suppose we could ask them to. Reckon they'll listen?

Hey rastuscat, it's already Police policy not to operate speed traps at the end of passing lanes but it still happens. I've got the tickets (& acquittals) to prove it. Reckon any one'd listen if we asked your bosses to enforce this policy and punish offending Popos?

[Zedder]

What's that? No one speeds? I guess that means we can bring the speed limits down further! That way, the crashes that are still happening at 90km/h, can happen at 80 km/h instead!

Fixed.

I wrote "changes for the better". Reducing the speed limit isn't a better change as studies have shown that decreasing the speed limit doesn't reduce crashes.

Do some research before commenting.

[Parlane]

I wrote "changes for the better". Reducing the speed limit isn't a better change as studies have shown that decreasing the speed limit doesn't reduce crashes.

Do some research before commenting.

I didn't realise I'd need an essay reply [with references] to your vague statement "changes for the better".

I was merely pointing out that they won't increase speed limits just because no one is speeding. That's like saying everyone can have icecream but only if you follow my no-icecream rule until I am satisfied that no one is wanting to break the rule! (Yes it's a stupid metaphor, but it's a quick one).

[Scuba_Steve]

I wrote "changes for the better". Reducing the speed limit isn't a better change as studies have shown that decreasing the speed limit doesn't reduce crashes.

Do some research before commenting.

that may not be better but its realist, if we all drove under the limit what he put is what would happen the Govt would just down the limits. Ya can't make the moneys is people are obeying stupid laws

[Ocean1]

The 'lowest common denominator" concept that underpins the traffic laws is actually an insult to intelligent law abiding citizens.

It's not something I like but that's the way it is at the moment.

Correct.

How do we change it?

It starts with us. Like others have been saying, don't speed and do other unlawful acts. Who knows, some of the rules may change for the better due to our actions.

That will change fuck all, never has and never will. To change odius legislation you need to a) ignore it and b) refues to recognise any penalties imposed for "a".

Which is why you're stuck with it, far too many are happy to give most of their decisions, (and lives) to the wee grey men.

[Zedder]

I didn't realise I'd need an essay reply [with references] to your vague statement "changes for the better".

I was merely pointing out that they won't increase speed limits just because no one is speeding. That's like saying everyone can have icecream but only if you follow my no-icecream rule until I am satisfied that no one is wanting to break the rule! (Yes it's a stupid metaphor, but it's a quick one).

I didn't write anything about the speed law, you did. I wrote that some laws (plural ) may change. As usual you were in a hurry to post something ("quick") and didn't think it through.

[Zedder]

that may not be better but its realist, if we all drove under the limit what he put is what would happen the Govt would just down the limits. Ya can't make the moneys is people are obeying stupid laws

But Scube, that the point they aren't likely to lower the speed limits because it doesn't reduce crashes.

[Parlane]

I didn't write anything about the speed law, you did. I wrote that some laws (plural ) may change. As usual you were in a hurry to post something ("quick") and didn't think it through.

Reread the thread title, and then you may see why I referred to the speed laws and not others.

[Scuba_Steve]

But Scube, that the point they aren't likely to lower the speed limits because it doesn't reduce crashes.

You think reducing crashes is the Govts point? It's all about the money, money, money just listen to Judith Collins, "revenue", "revenue", "revenue" & when "revenue is down" is it because after 10yrs the speed scam is starting to work? nope "technical difficulties with cameras". They know the propaganda they spew is total bullshit, they also know it's the easiest way to scam money from 'the people' due to the high amount of idiots willing to believe their propaganda, till enough people wise up we're stuck with it.

[Zedder]

Reread the thread title, and then you may see why I referred to the speed laws and not others.

Many of the traffic laws have been commented about on this thread not just speed.

[Zedder]

Correct.



That will change fuck all, never has and never will. To change odius legislation you need to a) ignore it and b) refues to recognise any penalties imposed for "a".

Which is why you're stuck with it, far too many are happy to give most of their decisions, (and lives) to the wee grey men.

I suppose it's about what you believe in at the end of the day.