Just slow way down,
or go really fast

The voice in the mailbox proposed two novel ideas for resolving the controversy over traffic cameras.

"I think we should get rid of the speed limits and just allow the police to use their discretion to pick up reckless drivers," the caller said. He asserted that after speed limits were returned to 65 mph from the 55 mph at which they were set during the oil crisis, the accident rate went down.

At the other end, the caller argued for a very low speed limit. "That way," he said, "no one would get hurt. You could run over pedestrians without harming them." With so many people contending that we should all slow down, he proposed a 15 mph limit. "Better yet, make it 10 mph," he added.

Of course, the caller concluded, "you could spend your entire life on the road." Not to say what it would do for the state's revenue coffers with a fine of $27 plus $5 for every mile over the limit. Cruising along at a stately 35 mph could cost a cool $127. Are you listening, Department of Transportation?

Richard Halloran

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