Hagerstown Experience

I usually wouldn't post about this, but I just had to air this.

My wife received a citation for speeding that was issued via mail, using three photos (of the rear of the car) from a city we visited. This wasn't a case of running a red light, merely speed enforcement. My wife couldn't have been driving as she was somewhere else at the time (and yes, there are witnesses to her whereabouts), but she received the citation as the owner of the vehicle. The ticket was for $40 for doing 40mph in a 25mph zone.

Although I may have been driving the car, it could've been anyone as the photos have no front views. Seeing as we were in from out of town for a wedding, we could've let someone else use the car who was driving. Being a very good driver with no citations in over 20 years, I find it hard to believe I would've knowingly been doing 15 miles over the speed limit. Of course if we want to defend ourselves, we must travel to the city (900+ miles away) and make our case. Since it doesn't go against anyone's driving record it isn't worth the cost of fighting it. And that's where I think municipalities have figured out this money-making opportunity.

What is infuriating is this method of "speed monitoring" is done for the sole purpose of revenue generation. There clearly is not an interest in using speed enforcement as a safety matter as there's no officer involved and no warnings issued of potential dangers in that area (if any exist). Also, I grew up in that town and as long as I lived there, I couldn't tell you what the posted speed limit is on any of the roads anymore. For all I know there may not have even been a posted speed limit.

As a matter of principle, what the City of Hagerstown, Maryland doesn't realize is that I will no longer purchase any goods or services from businesses there. Which means no taxes collected from me. While I have reasons to visit there on occasion, I will be certain to refrain from contributing anything to their tax base. Also, I have no interest in buying anything from a community that supports money grabbing tactics like this.

I may only be one person. But I recognize greed pretty quickly and it is apparent to me that the city where I grew up is more interested today than ever, in greedy tactics to feed their government coffers.

You'll get my $40 City of Hagerstown, but it'll be the last $40 anyone in Hagerstown gets from me.