I just finished reading an article regarding the speed “trap” (camera) on Germantown Road.
Sounds like the city is real proud of itself for nabbing 17,549 (un)suspecting speeders netting an average of 145 per day! Great for tourism! I was one of those unsuspecting victims. I say that because there was no previous warning to my knowledge of a pending “trap” to be set.
I drive that route only on Monday nights to volunteer at a local animal shelter and was totally blindsided when I got the $50 ticket in the mail a week or two later. Of course I assumed it was my husband’s but later inspection revealed it was without a doubt mine! And by the way, coming off the I-24 ramp in rush hour traffic does not allow for speed in excess of 30+ mph.
Nevertheless, I am hopeful that the money acquired can be used for the driver’s education program that was proposed and shot down by the county commission just a couple of months ago or even used towards education of some caliber. That would be the right thing to do!
If education is a priority for our city’s mayor, then maybe this is a starting point. Therefore if this is a way to bump up revenue for education, then please install more cameras! But please at least give us some prior warning.
Donna Horn
East Brainerd
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Ms. Horn,
Just wanted to let you know that there is a large sign just before you get to the speed camera warning you of the speed camera. If you google "germantown road speed camera" you will see where every news station and print media did articles and news casts warning you of the cameras location and when they went into live action.
I am not sure what your reference to the I-24 off ramp speed at rush hour traffic has to do with the speed camera as the camera is several miles from that location. You have to be traveling south on Germantown Road coming from Brainerd Road heading toward I-24 to receive a ticket. Maybe you can look for the location on your way to volunteer this week.
Jarred Montieth
East Brainerd
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The last time I checked, nobody is responsible for warning us to maintain a posted speed limit. The signs are posted. No forewarning is necessary. If you get caught, admit your wrong doing, pay the ticket and slow down in the future.
I, too, hate those speed cameras, especially when I get caught by one. But if the Chattanooga Police Department would make it a priority to set more speed traps on streets like Amnicola Highway, 153 and others like it, they could generate a lot of extra income and they might even save a few lives.
What a concept.
John Hunt