Photo radar leaves ‘bitter taste’ for tourist
By Letter to the Editor on December 12, 2018.
Last September my wife and I had a rather pleasant road trip to the west coast. A month later, we received a surprise in the mail courtesy of the Medicine Hat Police Service — a speeding ticket and a fee for $111 for doing 62 km/h in a 50 zone. After 54 years driving through Canada, the U.S. and several other countries, this was my first speeding ticket. Travelling through Alberta the communities of Fort Macleod, Lethbridge and Taber all had clearly posted speed limits of 60 km/h. Upon arriving in Medicine Hat I do recall seeing speed limit signs decreasing from 100 to 80 to 70 and finally 60 km/h. I did not observe any further speed limit signs along the stretch in question. Therefore I continued my 60, err, 62, km/h speed, not giving it another thought along the main throughway of four-lane divided highway; light traffic, sunny sky, dry pavement with no residential or commercial businesses nearby along Gershaw Drive. In my opinion, and many others’, photo radar is less about traffic safety and is nothing more than a cash grab. How many other unsuspecting out-of-town travellers were caught in this trap? This whole episode leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Medicine Hat has always been a major pit stop in my travels. Not anymore. I will not spend another dime in Medicine Hat on fuel, food or lodging and I hope other stiffed travellers do the same. William Pronyk Garland, Man. 9-8
Apologies to you Mr Pronyk, 99% of fellow motorists understand the cash grab philosophy of the MHPS. You will never see photo radar in any school zones or parks in our fair City. You will find them in illegal speed traps as you discovered. I feel ashamed to be a Hatter when our corrupt police force runs amok.
Your fine is going towards an attack helicopter to go along with the MHPS’s armored attack vehicle. Again, we the citizens of Medicine Hat are truly sorry for the misdeeds of a corrupt police force.
I drive this city daily and don’t ever recall seeing a 60kph sign anywhere. 50 is posted everywhere, particularly Gershaw Drive.
Yeah, it’s a cash grab, but if you don’t speed they don’t grab yours. Quit making excuses and blaming others.
You complete TWAT. The speed limits were set when we used crossply tires and drove cars with drum brakes! It is totally a cashcow, or why is there NEVER a photoradar where safety could be a concern. Only in areas designed to generate cash.
Why is it that Those whom are GUILTY always have an excuse/reason why They should not be???? Suck it up LOSER!!
Wow, has there ever been a more appt name you Snarky Bitch. The point people are making is that this has NOTHING to do with safety and everything to do with generating taxes.