PhotoCop is West Valley City's way of discouraging anyone from driving in that city. With great pride, the Police Department announced that officer Lang issued 15 speeding tickets in 90 minutes.
What pride is there in destroying a city's reputation? I know that I'm only one person. But since October 1991, when West Valley City installed its inanimate system of raising money called speeding tickets by PhotoCop, I have not driven into West Valley City once.I have not been to a restaurant in West Valley City. I have not been to a retail store in West Valley City. I have not purchased personal services in West Valley City. I have not bought gasoline in West Valley City. PhotoCop has destroyed any interest I have in going into West Valley City.
Why do businesses put up with this impersonal police state? Don't they need the out-of-area patron? Why would anyone drive in that city and risk the increased insurance rates brought on by speeding tickets issued by a photo lens?
Put a human being on the road in a police car. One who pleasantly offers assistance to the needy motorist. A policeman who helps drivers obey the law by reminding them of their driving mistakes. One who is a visible symbol of the pride most police officers feel and well deserve.
But when you hide the officer behind a photo machine for the sole purpose of raising money for the city coffers at the burden of the unsuspecting driver, then don't ask me to drive in your city. Don't ask me to patronize your city's businesses.
I'm only one person, but the PhotoCop of West Valley City will not take my picture.
M. Byron Fisher
Salt Lake City