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Traffic Ticket Slump

July 30th, 2010 by flanews

The number of traffic tickets being issued in Florida is on the decline. The most up to date statistics the state has are from 2008, when 120-thousand fewer tickets were written than in 2006. As Whitney Ray tells us, the economy is contributing to the decline.

Nsoyn Johnson is an out-of-work mechanic. Besides keeping the engine in his ‘82 Chevy in tiptop shape, Nsoyn also keeps a close eye on his driving to avoid getting a ticket.

“You got to pay a little more attention on the road as far as your lights and different things like that. You don’t speed as much,” said Nsoyn.

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. FHP has only seen a slight dip in the number of tickets its troopers issue, but has noticed the roads getting safer.

“It’s because of the education and enforcement effort of law enforcement, but it goes far beyond that. It’s our legislators who pass laws, like our primary seatbelt law,” said FHP Captain Mark Welch.

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. Nsoyn thinks there’s another factor at play in the declining number of tickets; he says police have a heart.

“Cops, they understand. Before they are officers, they are people too,” said Nsoyn.

But whether its sympathetic police or cash strapped drivers, the decline in tickets is hurting the state budget. The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund is feeling the brunt of the declining ticket revenue. The fund helps pay for tests and training for new and incoming police officers. Now the state is considering raising the fees charged to candidates who take the tests.

Posted in Economy, Highways, State Budget, State News | No Comments »

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