Speeders could be quick fix to help balance Denver budget

[harvey007]

Source: Denver 9 News

One of Mayor John Hickenlooper's proposals to help make up a $100 million deficit includes nearly doubling the traffic fines for going 5 to 9 mph over the speed limit from the current $40 to $79.....

According to the Denver Court Administrator's office, in 2009 78,156 people were charged with speeding, among other offenses. That year, the city received $13.329 million from moving violation fines, including speeding, no proof of insurance, expired license plate, no driver's license, careless driving, running stop signs, disobedience to traffic signal and others.

From January through August, 56,715 drivers have faced traffic offenses, paying the city $9.162 million.

"Right now the economy is not good," said Eleazar Nava, who paid $186 to Denver for speeding. "A lot of people don't have jobs. I think it's going to be too expensive. I think it's going to be too hard for a lot of people. They don't have no money to pay these tickets."

Read more: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=153088&catid=339

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Not a very progressive way to raise revenue for the city....

[Sherman A1]

1. There is a term for this....

It's called CRAP!

[denverbill]

2. Well Hickenlooper isn't exactly a progressive.

He might be ok on some social issues, but economically, he's a libertarian's best friend.

Of course, to Republicans he is a communist.

[Wilber_Stool]

3. Progressive fine like some places

in Europe. $86.000 for speeding? Yup. If you make that much you pay that much.

[Democrats_win]

4. Yes. If you drive a BMW, you pay the value of the car.

Ok, maybe a percentage of the value of the car. It should keep Denver Nugget players from speeding. Of course the actual proposal is quite regressive. On the other hand, if you can't do the time, don't do the crime.