Local Enforcement — Cash Cow or Safety Net?

March 29, 2000 10:18 AM, EST

Small towns have long used speed traps to generate revenue from unsuspecting out-of-towners, but some Michigan truckers are concerned that police in the suburbs of Detroit are establishing “truck traps” with similar profit-minded goals.

Complaints from truckers caught the ear of state Rep. Rick Johnson, who introduced legislation in Lansing that would prevent the funds generated by tickets from going back to police departments. Instead, the majority of the money would be diverted to libraries and courts.

“There have been concerns raised by local truckers, that local enforcement efforts have gone beyond reason and aren’t necessarily aimed at improving the safety of the roads,” said Walter G. Heinritzi, executive director of the Michigan Trucking Association.

Overzealous enforcement isn’t confined to Michigan, either. As officials search for alternative solutions to improve truck safety, they are suggesting the use of local police. Lack of resources is pushing more states to give local police authority over trucks.

For the full story, see the Mar. 27 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.