The Worst Speed Trap in the Country?

Waldo, where fines paid by passing motorists are a big money-maker.

The north Florida town of Waldo has long had a reputation as a speed trap, and it's no wonder. A small segment of highway that runs through Waldo requires drivers to speed up and slow down six times: 65 mph becomes 55 mph; 55 becomes 45; then goes back to 55; then back down to 45; to 55 again and eventually, 35 mph.

AAA named the tiny town between Jacksonville and Gainesville one of only two "traffic traps" nationwide and even placed an attention-getting billboard outside the limits of the town to warn drivers to slow down before entering.

Comments

[Anon E. Mouse]

Where's Waldo?

The solution: Never, ever drive through Waldo. Go a hundred miles out of your way if you have to. Then, once you've reached your destination, take a few minutes to send an email to the city council and explain exactly what you did and why you did it.

[TexasFlyer]

Absolutely, do everything in your power to avoid those towns. Don't spend one dime there, let them die on the vine. I like your comment about emailing the city council. I think I will start doing that. I drive through a lot of small towns in Louisiana that do the same thing.

[Anon E. Mouse]

I drive about 15K miles on I-95 annually, between home and DC. I plan my fuel stops to avoid particularly fucked-up towns like Dillon SC, and any place in Maryland. Many years ago I sent a letter to the Town of Dillon stating that due to their policy of targeting south-bound interstate traffic (mostly families going on vacation and carrying cash) for asset forfeiture, I would do everything in my power to spread the word: Avoid Dillon SC. Drive through, don't speed, don't stop, and don't spend a dime. The response I got back was one of surprise. It seems that most city council members are businessmen, and aren't particularly aware that this new-flangled interwebz thing can spread bad news like wildfire.

[AlgerHiss]

Put Piperton, TN on the list to avoid.

A dreadful little town of about 1500 people with something like a dozen full time "officers".

Perhaps the best success story of shutting down these awful places is that of New Rome, Ohio:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Rome,_Ohio

[Faceless Commenter]

The 101 just North of Salinas. 55, 65, 55, BOOM. Same pig-tailed trooper every time. She's gotten fatter over the years.