Washington D.C. issues record $1 billion in traffic and parking tickets, AAA calls it ‘predatory’

WASHINGTON — D.C. has long been considered one of the most expensive places in the country for traffic fines, seeing a steady climb year to year in tickets issued and revenue generated. But recently the District broke into stunning new territory, issuing more than $1 billion in tickets in just three years.
John Townsend, Public Relations Manager of AAA Mid-Atlantic closely monitors the District’s ticketing behavior. He says this is a money-making operation that can’t prove these high fines have made anyone safer.
The District hasn’t done any studies to provide evidence that D.C.’s cameras, and the high fines, translate to fewer accidents, fewer injuries and fewer deaths.
Nearly three million motorists were on the receiving end of traffic and parking citations last year, totaling $375 million.
In a study comparing the nation’s 25 largest metro areas, D.C. had the highest traffic fines per capita by a long shot at $170 per person, the next closest, Chicago, was $101.
AAA is likely to declare Washington, D.C. a “traffic trap” (or speed trap as it is commonly referred to) to its 60 million members.
From story by ABC7