According to the National Motorists Association, Ann Arbor ranks #6 nationally in speed traps

Detroit and the 'burbs are #1, Tree City is #6 nationally. Is anyone surprised? From the Detroit News:

The National Motorists Association says Metro Detroit had the most speed traps in the United States in 2007, based on field studies and the number of complaints the Wisconsin-based organization gets. Ann Arbor also finished in the top 10:
1. Detroit suburbs
2. Colorado Springs, Colo.
3. Houston
4. Orlando, Fla.
5. Nashville, Tenn.
6. Ann Arbor
7. Albuquerque, N.M.
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Denver
10. Virginia Beach, Va.
Source: National Motorists Association

Remember the speed limits A2 Mayor John Hieftje didn't want and the State Police did? Victory for drivers

We really do have to wonder if the Ann Arbor Mayor really is out of touch with Ann Arbor (and others elsewhere who may visit Tree City or work there) drivers and voters. The state has done intensive testing on these stretches of roads, on North Main Street and Washtenaw Avenue and decided to raise the speed limits:

The speed limit on Washtenaw Avenue will become 40 mph from Hill Street to Brockman Boulevard and 45 mph from Brockman to East Stadium Boulevard. The existing speed limits along that stretch of Washtenaw currently are either 30 mph or 35 mph.

But here's the Mayor's take:

"I don't think we should be subjecting our residents to any higher speeds than are there now"

SUBJECTING? Are you serious!? In fact, the Ann Arbor Mayor, who we can't find any background in policing or road engineering for, said he doesn't believe the state models for speeds. GREAT John, we're glad you can so easily dismiss years of study because you don't want to agree with speed limits going up.

We here at YCD have a pretty good idea why the Mayor is against raising speed limits no matter how safe----his Ministry of Ticket Money that he currently lords over. Less tickets for speeding cuts into the city budget. Tell us again a large portion of money doesn't come from the MoTM. If it was a drop in the bucket the Mayor wouldn't be so opposed.

This is a victory for all of us, sans one....

Some speed limits around to to go UP

As some of our readers will recall, the State of Michigan TOLD Ann Arbor that it was safe, sane and fine to raise speed limits in certain areas around town. Of course some in the city of Ann Arbor, namely Mayor John Hieftje, said he didn't want ANY speed limits going up. Hieftje as you'll recall is not only Mayor but Head Minister of the Ministry of Ticket Money. There is your REAL reason some didn't want speed limits raised, REVENUE.

So, the state told Ann Arbor the speed limits WOULD raise and to save face the city says they have 'compromised' with the state and are allowing (allowing ha ha) limits to increase, most likely by the end of the year at the following stretches of raod:

*Washtenaw Avenue from Stadium Boulevard to Hill Street
*Main Street near M-14

The city says further review is needed (guess what's STILL going to happen) before speed limits are raised along Business 94 (Washtenaw and Huron Street) west of Hill Street to I-94.

Ann Arbor's reluctance in raising speed limits, have anything to do with ticket revenue?

The Michigan State Police traffic specialists want to RAISE the speed limit in certain areas of Ann Arbor. Their suggestion:

"State Police traffic specialists said last spring that speed limits along the Washtenaw/Huron/Jackson corridor and on Main Street near M-14 should bump up by 5 to 10 mph depending on the spot"

Seems like a fair, good, and reasoned approach.

Not to Ann Arbor's money making machine, the Ann Arbor Ministry of Ticket Money. Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje said:

"We are probably fairly far apart. I am not interested in raising speed limits on residential streets in Ann Arbor."

Of COURSE you aren't John, it'd cut into your ticket monies. Can't have that. Despite the science behind the decision, despite the years of study that have gone into the State police's reasoning, Ann Arbor is more interested in MONEY. Don't believe it? Do you REALLY think they are doing it for safety or do you REALLY think they are doing it for revenue stream? Do you see police out on the roads pulling people over to remind them to be safe or do you see them pulling people over and writing huge tickets?

Citizens, this is GOING TO GET DONE. The state can and it sounds like WILL step in and do the right thing and raise speed limits. YCD will give the last word to State Police Lt. Thad Peterson:

"It's just trying to make the law match the behavior of the people who use our roads," Peterson said. "That's how democracy is supposed to work - the laws are supposed to represent the behavior of the majority, not make it illegal. And we know it causes less crashes when we set limits that accommodate the behavior of the driving public. The delays ... undoubtedly cause motorists to receive speeding tickets for driving at speeds that are essentially in the norm. And they'll be paying for these tickets for years, with increased insurance premiums."