I find myself viewing the numerous Highway Patrol officers stationed at the speed trap on Hwy 154 just above Cathedral Oaks Rd. with cynicism. I realize the county needs revenue and this is a way for them to get quick bucks. However, I sure don’t see the CHP patrolling the 101 corridor between Glen Annie and Carpinteria to curb the people who speed aggressively, weaving dangerously between traffic lanes, driving right on top of the car in front of them, or tootling along at 45 mph when everyone around them is doing 65 to 70 mph.

Coming down the San Marcos Pass, you go through the dip at San Antonio Creek, then have to climb up the hill. Cresting the hill you are often doing 65 to 70 without even knowing it because the road conditions are so good and most cars are quiet and aerodynamic. Just coasting down the hill with your foot off the accelerator you will be doing 60, and you’ll have to use the brake to do that, even, if you start out at the 55 mph speed limit. At that spot, you are a perfect target for radar.

It seems an abuse of power.  It’s concentrating manpower away from the job officers are actually supposed to be doing, and I fear people are losing respect for the CHP  because it is not done to keep the driving public safe, it is done solely to garner income. Or perhaps I just have a jaundiced eye.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.