Traffic cams are picking our pockets
3/9/2013Your article about traffic cameras and money was right on (“Traffic cams net nearly $3M in 2012; 68,159 citations issued for red-light, speed violations,” Feb. 24). Toledo’s red-light cameras and speed traps are the reasons I try to avoid going to the city. When I do venture in, I’m looking over my shoulder.
I try to do business in motorist-friendly places such as Maumee, Holland, Springfield Townshp, Waterville, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Bowling Green, and Grand Rapids.
Motorists in Toledo should remember to smile; you are watched while your pocket is picked.
JEFFREY CLARK
Grand Rapids, Ohio
School zonemix-up a mess
I was one of those 12,451 drivers in 2012 who were cited for speeding at Alexis Road and Whitmer Drive.
It was Dec. 27. I was traveling at the posted speed limit. The yellow 20-mph school-zone lights were flashing, but there was no school that day because of winter break.
I received a citation on Jan. 4 from the Toledo Police Department Photo Enforcement Program stating that I had been speeding. I mailed the payment of my $120 fine on Jan. 11.
On Jan. 22, I received a letter stating the citation had been issued in error and that it had been dismissed. I called Redflex Traffic Systems, which maintains the cameras, and asked whether I would receive a reimbursement check. I was told I would. As of late this week, I have yet to receive the reimbursement.
Why doesn’t the police department tell Redflex to ignore the yellow 20 mph lights when there is no school? It would save a lot of hassle for everyone.
RICK THOMSEN
West Rowland Road
Chief needs to do one or the other
Another senior official in the area is double-dipping at the public trough (“Chief’s badge is off one day, back on next; Retirement plan limits Diggs’ service; mayor will rehire him,” March 1). Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs needs either to retire or to serve. Two checks for the same job are another example of a system gone wrong.
And Toledo officials wonder why we residents don’t want additional taxes.
RAY JOHNSTON
Darrel Road
Diggs should let someone else lead
Chief Diggs is retiring and will collect a well-deserved pension. His great leadership must have taught many other officers the skills to lead. It’s discriminatory not to give some of those he led a chance for promotion, isn’t it?
JANET MOHAMED
Kenmore Avenue