This Louisiana Town Runs Largely on Traffic Fines. If You Fight Your Ticket, the Mayor Is Your Judge. - eviltoast

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.

  • Turun@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    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.

    • testfactor@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      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.