Fenton, population 226, brings in over $1 million per year through its mayor’s court, an unusual justice system in which the mayor can serve as judge even though he’s responsible for town finances.
Fenton, population 226, brings in over $1 million per year through its mayor’s court, an unusual justice system in which the mayor can serve as judge even though he’s responsible for town finances.
The speed limit is often artificially low to entice people to speed though. Especially in towns like this that subsist off speeding fines.
Back in 2007 a group of UGA students drove the 285 loop around Atlanta at exactly over the posted speed limit (at the time 55mph). This caused traffic to back up for hours and the teens were arrested for blocking the flow of traffic.
And, from personal experience, driving on 285 at less than 70mph is absolutely terrifying. You’re liable to get hit by someone who is just moving with the flow of traffic. It’s substantially less safe to adhere to the posted speed limits.
So what is the expectation then, if not to speed?
The street design may be a massive problem, indeed. And I welcome any change towards more reasonable street design and more public transport. This part of the high way system seems to be rather busy - perfect for a high speed train connection.
But that’s not what the article criticizes and this misdirection is exactly what I find problematic about the article. Until better roads are designed “just break the law” doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.
I think you missed my point.
The roads are designed with people travelling 75mph in mind. They easily support those speeds. There is no design problem.
There is a policy problem in that, despite the roads being designed to safely operate at 75mph+, the law has the limit set at 50mph. This creates an environment where you are encouraged to speed, as going the speed limit feels like moving at a crawl.
There is no safety requirement for setting the limit so low. It is entirely to allow the police to pull over people arbitrarily, as everyone is always in violation of the law.