I've lived in several places in which the local government likes to place very low speed limit signs at the base of very steep hills, then hide police cars in hidden spots just past the signs, off the road in places where no other vehicle could legally go, such as behind bushes or in ditches that are craftily placed in grassy islands between lanes, so they're not visible to oncoming drivers. In many such places, it is technically illegal for them to do so, and if you know this and can prove that they weren't visible, you can beat the ticket in court. Even then, the ticket just gets thrown out and the officer who broke the law gets off Scot-free. But why should we, the People, have to go to such lengths to hold our police officers accountable?

I say that a team of secretive vigilantes should identify the favorite hide-outs used for speed traps, which can easily be found in some areas with a neat iPhone app called Trapster, and set traps for the would-be entrappers, such as sand pits, or caltrops. Take away their illegal edge.
-- 21 Quest, Sep 11 2009

so two wrongs make a right, then? I think that a system that financially rewarded the police system for reducing crashes rather than capriciously enforcing speeding violation would more quickly change their focus but if you want to join me in overthrowing my local government then, bonhomie, welcome.
-- WcW, Sep 12 2009


I think this is a fantastic idea. This whole speed trap thing is a total money making scam. In NSW, it is illegal for them to hide the cameras and they must be adequately signed. Whats the result? Police put them in places where they want the traffic to slow down because it is dangerous, and if you ignore all the warnings and still speed you deserve your fine.

Sign me up 21 Quest, I have many boobie trap ideas...
-- Eggplant, Sep 12 2009


American Graffiti. Been thought of, never been done to my knowledge. Should definitely be done, and with vigor.
-- unfettered, Sep 12 2009



random, halfbakery