State revenue from traffic tickets is down this year. There are differing opinions as to why, from cops that feel sorry for a speeder to just less people driving.
Either way, the state relies upon money from writing tickets, so they’ll probably try making new laws that people can break to raise new revenue.
The most up to date statistics the state has are from 2008, when 120-thousand fewer tickets were written than in 2006. Many feel the economy is the cause of the decline and are keeping s a closer eye on driving to avoid getting a ticket.
Cash strapped drivers are helping make Florida’s roads safer. 420 fewer people died in car accidents last year. 120-thousand fewer traffic tickets were issued. Capt Mark Welch says the FHP has noticed the change. “We are seeing fewer people on the roads.”
No police officer we spoke with would tell us this on camera, but budget cuts are forcing departments to make some tough choices, like ignore traffic violations to focus on more serious crimes. Others tell us that many cops just have a heart.
“Police are people too, and they know if somebody is having a hard time and can’t pay a 200 dollar ticket.”
But whether its sympathetic police or cash strapped drivers the decline in tickets is hurting the state budget. The part of the state budget feeling the brunt of the declining ticket revenue is the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.
The fund helps pay for test and training for new and incoming police officers. Now the state is considering raising the fees charged to candidates who take the tests.
Read the story here
Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:47 am