I have mentioned on occasion the fallacy of having rules (or laws) without enforcing them. At one time, I was on the verge about ranting how Congress (opposite of Progress) was enacting new laws, but not making provisions for enforcing them.
A perfect example has popped up in my own backyard. Actually, it’s in the street, but you get the idea.
Missouri Avenue, an arterial between 75th Ave. and 67th Ave. here in Glendale, has a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. This is a residential street, with houses, a park, and an elementary school located along the right of way. The police presence here is abysmal, at best. I have seen patrol cars enforcing the speed limit twice in the seven years I have traveled this stretch of Missouri Avenue.
About a month ago, there were survey hoses stretched across the street. My guess is they were seeing what the average speed was. Since most of the people traveling that stretch of road know there aren’t any policemen enforcing the 25MPH sepp limit, the average speed was probably up around 40. I have been passed on that street many times, usually because I am traveling the speed limit and the ones passing me are much more important and need to get where they are going.
Two weeks ago, markings appeared on the pavement. Two lines, curb to curb, with the letters “H M P” spray painted between. This tells me the city, in it’s infinite wisdom, has decided that instead of enforcing the speed limit, it is going to force everyone to slow down to 20 MPH to go over these speed humps. Based on the model of the exiting speed humps on 73rd Ave., these speed humps will be state-of-the-art, with emergency vehicle breaks in the middle. That’s right, the speed humps will stretch curb to curb, except there will be two breaks the width of a vehicle centered in the middle for firetrucks and ambulances to not be hindered.
One problem: the speeders, who have not been held responsible for breaking the speed limit, will now feel that they can use the EV breaks for themselves. And they will, based on the model of 73rd Ave.
To review: The law-abiding drivers will be slowed down below the 25 MPH limit to negotiate the humps. The law-breaking drivers, who are speeding, will cross the center line to use the emergency vehicle breaks and continue speeding.
I feel so much safer already.
Because the city will not (or cannot) enforce the speed limit, it is forcing itself to spend money on installing speed humps that are not really speed humps so much as slalom courses. The speeders will still speed, and the non-speeders will be slowed down. Money spent, no revenue from the speeders held accountable for breaking the law, and more inconvenience for the rest of us.
Good move, Glendale Arizona!
I believe the first thing that needs to happen is a moratorium be put into place regarding any new law that proposes to “beef up” an existing law. Enforcement of the existing law must be proven for a six month period, and, if the problem has not improved, then the stiffer law may be introduced.
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