Man shoots camera out with high powered......AIR rifle...

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 02:36am

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtm ... ID=1721265

Police Seek Camera Shooter
Tue November 12, 2002 09:08 AM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - Police hunted for a marksman with a grudge on Monday after two roadside speed cameras were shot to pieces in rural east England.

Norfolk police said a sniper, probably armed with a high-powered air rifle, riddled the cameras with pellets causing 70,000 pounds ($111,000) worth of damage.

The attacks happened days before a number of newly installed cameras were set to go live at accident black spots in the area.

"You often have to worry about the mentality of people who do this sort of thing," Bryan Edwards, spokesman for the Norfolk Casualty Reduction Partnership, was quoted as saying by the Eastern Daily Press.

Speed cameras, which photograph speeding motorists as they drive by and can lead to substantial fines, are controversial in Britain. But police would not say whether they believed a disgruntled motorist was behind the incidents.

****************

We have those damn cameras here in the DC area. For every speeding
ticket given out by those hellspawned cameras, Lockheed Martin,
who maintains them, gets a $50 cut.....

from www.ar15.com:

"Out in arizona, the cameras are housed in bulletproof enclosures with
armor glass, since so many have been destroyed with gunfire."

"The Brits have embraced just about every single Orwellian-type contrivance that is available. There are several websites devoted to explaining how to destroy traffic and surveillance cameras (CCTV) in the UK and on the continent. The backlash against them is growing by the day."

http://flag.blackened.net/ayn/pigwatch/ ... estroy.htm

Arock on www.ar15.com sez:

"I would remind you good folks of the first surveillance cameras. Engineers at LTV Vought in Grand Prairie, TX developed the first photo radar setup back in the early 1970's. It was tested on Division Street and a couple other locations with hotrod traffic.

We did all the usual things to them and got the predictable cop responses, bulletproof glass, armored enclosures and armored cables.

What spelled doom for ALL the photo radars was the time a citation for speeding arrived at the address derived from the license plate, the address of an influential local politician, the wife opened it and saw the female passenger in the car was NOT HER. The ensuing divorce was particularly nasty, the impressive photo showing time and place as evidence was irrefutable and the photo radars disappeared overnight."

data_link · Post by **data_link** » 2002-11-20 02:40am

Actually, it's a very efficient way to enforce traffic laws... unless of course you believe that traffic laws should not be enforced?

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 02:46am

data_link wrote:Actually, it's a very efficient way to enforce traffic laws... unless of course you believe that traffic laws should not be enforced?

What about the fact that Lockheed Martin gets $50 bux out of each ticket?

The American Automobile Association recently withdrew their support for
these cameras after the DC police chief ADMITTED it was all about MONEY,
and not traffic safety..

data_link · Post by **data_link** » 2002-11-20 02:53am

MKSheppard wrote:
data_link wrote:Actually, it's a very efficient way to enforce traffic laws... unless of course you believe that traffic laws should not be enforced?
What about the fact that Lockheed Martin gets $50 bux out of each ticket?

The American Automobile Association recently withdrew their support for
these cameras after the DC police chief ADMITTED it was all about MONEY,
and not traffic safety..

<politician>A detail. The financial incentive had absolutely no impact on our decision. No we are not manipulating the system for our own gain, and any accusations of such will depend on what your definition of 'is' is.</politician>

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:00am

MKSheppard wrote:
data_link wrote:Actually, it's a very efficient way to enforce traffic laws... unless of course you believe that traffic laws should not be enforced?
What about the fact that Lockheed Martin gets $50 bux out of each ticket?

The American Automobile Association recently withdrew their support for
these cameras after the DC police chief ADMITTED it was all about MONEY,
and not traffic safety..

Okay, you have corrupt cops. I'm sorry. Should I shed a single tear?

Traffic cameras aren't Orwellian.

Heaven forbid we use technology to enforce laws. I forgot how intrinsically evil technology is. We should all discard it and live in the woods.

neoolong · Post by **neoolong** » 2002-11-20 03:05am

I doubt there is much legislation that is based without some type of political dealing involved. That doesn't make it unnecessary or inherently bad.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:09am

SirNitram wrote: Traffic cameras aren't Orwellian.

If they're not Orwellian, then why is it wherever they show up, they end
up being destroyed by the populace?

data_link · Post by **data_link** » 2002-11-20 03:10am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Traffic cameras aren't Orwellian.
If they're not Orwellian, then why is it wherever they show up, they end
up being destroyed by the populace?

Because people are idiots.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:10am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Traffic cameras aren't Orwellian.
If they're not Orwellian, then why is it wherever they show up, they end
up being destroyed by the populace?

Because stupid gits don't want to get caught breaking laws.

I suppose police are harassed because they're just another facet of an evil Orwellian conspiracy?

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:12am

SirNitram wrote: I suppose police are harassed because they're just another facet of an evil Orwellian conspiracy?

Then why do people flash their headlights to warn other people of
speed traps?

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:13am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: I suppose police are harassed because they're just another facet of an evil Orwellian conspiracy?
Then why do people flash their headlights to warn other people of
speed traps?

Because they are being nice. This does not change the fact it is illegal, nor does it change the fact it is unsafe to speed in urban areas(As opposed to major highways, where you get nice truckers who warn you), nor does it change the fact you're now trying to change the subject.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:16am

SirNitram wrote: Because they are being nice. This does not change the fact it is illegal, nor does it change the fact it is unsafe to speed in urban areas(As opposed to major highways, where you get nice truckers who warn you), nor does it change the fact you're now trying to change the subject.

I routinely speed in a suburban area, hitting 70+ MPH on a nice long open
stretch of highway that has 55 MPH signs....and I speed at 40 MPH in a
stretch of road labelled 25 MPH, and also has speed bumps installed.

Before the 70s, we had NO NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT, and we got along
just damn fine without it.

One time I was doing 70 MPH on aforementioned 55 MPH road, and I saw
a cop behind me, and I go "Oh Fucking shit!" and slow down, but the
cop merely passes me and blows past me, accelerating constantly.

EVERYONE speeds.

data_link · Post by **data_link** » 2002-11-20 03:21am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Because they are being nice. This does not change the fact it is illegal, nor does it change the fact it is unsafe to speed in urban areas(As opposed to major highways, where you get nice truckers who warn you), nor does it change the fact you're now trying to change the subject.
I routinely speed in a suburban area, hitting 70+ MPH on a nice long open
stretch of highway that has 55 MPH signs....and I speed at 40 MPH in a
stretch of road labelled 25 MPH, and also has speed bumps installed.

Before the 70s, we had NO NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT, and we got along
just damn fine without it.

One time I was doing 70 MPH on aforementioned 55 MPH road, and I saw
a cop behind me, and I go "Oh Fucking shit!" and slow down, but the
cop merely passes me and blows past me, accelerating constantly.

EVERYONE speeds.

Not me... I see no reason to trade safety and fuel efficiency for getting to my destination five minutes sooner.

LordShaithis · Post by **LordShaithis** » 2002-11-20 03:25am

For once I gotta go with Shep. These things aren't about enforcing the law, they're about extorting cash from the populace. I believe it was Car & Driver magazine where I read that, when they install these things, frequently they reset the traffic light to have a shorter yellow period. That way, even more people end up in the intersection when they shouldn't. Sure it's unsafe, but it brings in more loot for the local government.

Anyway, we ever get those around here, I'll have to seriously consider finding out what sort of car the mayor drives, and what his license number is. Muahahaha.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:27am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Because they are being nice. This does not change the fact it is illegal, nor does it change the fact it is unsafe to speed in urban areas(As opposed to major highways, where you get nice truckers who warn you), nor does it change the fact you're now trying to change the subject.
I routinely speed in a suburban area, hitting 70+ MPH on a nice long open
stretch of highway that has 55 MPH signs....and I speed at 40 MPH in a
stretch of road labelled 25 MPH, and also has speed bumps installed.

Before the 70s, we had NO NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT, and we got along
just damn fine without it.

One time I was doing 70 MPH on aforementioned 55 MPH road, and I saw
a cop behind me, and I go "Oh Fucking shit!" and slow down, but the
cop merely passes me and blows past me, accelerating constantly.

EVERYONE speeds.

Then stay the fuck out of my town. We don't need another hotshot idiot crashing into something because he thinks he's so important or whatever the fuck goes through the minds of people who do stunts like 70 MPH in suburbia.

I'm sorry, I don't speed. I have this funny thing called being aware of the things that happen when car crashes occour at high speeds, and having seen it happen. Yea, I'm such an evil person because I have empathy, and knowledge of reality.

I don't give a shit about speeding on highways when it's done by competent drivers, or the occasional 70 MPH burst down the unregulated stretches up in the mountains.. But, no, I don't speed. I know there are too many dumb peices of shit(Like you, who can't realize that if the cameras are pulling in revenue, it's because they're catching speeders, and therefore enforcing the law), who will cause yet another of the thousands of car crashes, and it could be a fatal one.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:27am

GrandAdmiralPrawn wrote:For once I gotta go with Shep. These things aren't about enforcing the law, they're about extorting cash from the populace. I believe it was Car & Driver magazine where I read that, when they install these things, frequently they reset the traffic light to have a shorter yellow period. That way, even more people end up in the intersection when they shouldn't. Sure it's unsafe, but it brings in more loot for the local government.

Anyway, we ever get those around here, I'll have to seriously consider finding out what sort of car the mayor drives, and what his license number is. Muahahaha.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20 ... 081026.htm

AAA has withdrawn their support for the program since the DC Mayor has
said it is about MONEY.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:32am

SirNitram wrote: Then stay the fuck out of my town. We don't need another hotshot idiot crashing into something because he thinks he's so important or whatever the fuck goes through the minds of people who do stunts like 70 MPH in suburbia.

That road is one of the most deserted roads in this area at 9 AM in the
morning. Almost 5 miles of nothingness.

You just want everyone to drive around at an artificially limited speed limit
for "our own good".

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:34am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Then stay the fuck out of my town. We don't need another hotshot idiot crashing into something because he thinks he's so important or whatever the fuck goes through the minds of people who do stunts like 70 MPH in suburbia.
That road is one of the most deserted roads in this area at 9 AM in the
morning. Almost 5 miles of nothingness.

You just want everyone to drive around at an artificially limited speed limit
for "our own good".

Pretty much. As much as I loathe stupid people, I realize that if they all kill themselves, no one will make cookies.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:35am

SirNitram wrote: Pretty much. As much as I loathe stupid people, I realize that if they all kill themselves, no one will make cookies.

Well fuck you and fuck the horse you rode in on, I decide my speed
based on road conditions, and I don't need pompous assholes
like you arbitrarily placing blanket limits "for our own safety".

How about all the fucktards like YOU who don't know how to drive
can stay in the right lane and let me and everyone else with a
brain use the left lane and go as fast as they want..

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2002-11-20 03:37am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Pretty much. As much as I loathe stupid people, I realize that if they all kill themselves, no one will make cookies.
Well fuck you and fuck the horse you rode in on, I decide my speed
based on road conditions, and I don't need pompous assholes
like you arbitrarily placing blanket limits "for our own safety".

What a pity you don't know what the fuck you're talking about.

Hint: Speed limits aren't arbitrary. Terrain, normal conditions, and normal traffic are considered in such. This is how people come up with different limits for construction areas.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-20 03:40am

SirNitram wrote: What a pity you don't know what the fuck you're talking about.

I know what the fuck I'm talking about. My commute to school is lengthened
by 10 minutes because of ignorant fucktards like YOU who don't teach your
fucking kids to look both ways before crossing the road, and had speed bumps
installed on one of the most important roads that links two major throughfares...

Post by **weemadando** » 2002-11-20 07:25am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: Because they are being nice. This does not change the fact it is illegal, nor does it change the fact it is unsafe to speed in urban areas(As opposed to major highways, where you get nice truckers who warn you), nor does it change the fact you're now trying to change the subject.
I routinely speed in a suburban area, hitting 70+ MPH on a nice long open
stretch of highway that has 55 MPH signs....and I speed at 40 MPH in a
stretch of road labelled 25 MPH, and also has speed bumps installed.

Before the 70s, we had NO NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT, and we got along
just damn fine without it.

One time I was doing 70 MPH on aforementioned 55 MPH road, and I saw
a cop behind me, and I go "Oh Fucking shit!" and slow down, but the
cop merely passes me and blows past me, accelerating constantly.

EVERYONE speeds.

I don't. Well, I did when I was 17 and a moron. Nearly killed myself. Twice. Knew people who did.

And its enforcing the law. So don't fucking whinge. Half the time your authoritarian half the time your anarchist. Take a viewpoint and stick to it.

Thunderfire · Post by **Thunderfire** » 2002-11-20 08:07am

GrandAdmiralPrawn wrote:For once I gotta go with Shep. These things aren't about enforcing the law, they're about extorting cash from the populace.

Most of them are like that. But a good number of them makes sense.
Like 30KPH in areas with many children e.g. schools. 50 kph on a
4 lane road would be the other extreme.

Alyeska · Post by **Alyeska** » 2002-11-20 10:27am

MKSheppard wrote:
SirNitram wrote: What a pity you don't know what the fuck you're talking about.
I know what the fuck I'm talking about. My commute to school is lengthened
by 10 minutes because of ignorant fucktards like YOU who don't teach your
fucking kids to look both ways before crossing the road, and had speed bumps
installed on one of the most important roads that links two major throughfares...

No Shep, you do not know what the fuck you are talking about. You are a self centered arogant SOB who doesn't give a damn about anyone but themselves. You don't care about the fact that you are speeding down a road and possibly riskng lives, you don't care about the fact that you are breaking laws, and you damned well don't want to be punished for breaking the law.

If driving faster was that important to you you ought to petition to local government to change the speed. If your head wasn't so deep in the sand you might have actually realized that you can change your government.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2002-11-20 10:36am

Luckily, we don't have speed cameras in Florida

I speed a lot, but only on the major roads like freeways (or roads close to freeways) and generally only at the "common speed" of the left lane.

Once I get off those roads I slow down to within 5 mi/hr of the speed limit.