BURNSVILLE SPEED TRAP MAKING NATIONAL LISTS |
| (01/21/2011) |
By Bob Weaver The National Speed Trap Exchange has listed Burnsville as a speed trap. Calhoun and Gilmer County residents frequently pass through the small town at the intersection of State Rt. 5 and I-79, and many have been complaining about citations. The Interstate connection is difficult to avoid, where access is provided north and south on I-79. The National Speed Trap Exchange says the cash strapped town has taken to writing tickets, many on I-79 at the interchange where the town has jurisdiction. The NSTE says on I-79 Southbound there is a very steep downhill grade, so even backing off the accelerator, a driver can easily top the speed limit. The site says Burnsville officers can hide in the median, especially at night. Glenville Democrat/Pathfinder editor David Corcoran recently wrote a column indicating the speed trap problem, saying he too had been ticketed, acknowledging he was going over the posted 35 mph limit on the straight stretch under the I-79 bridge. Town officials have adamantly denied Burnsville is a speed trap. The town appears to be grossing several thousand dollars a month with fines, Corcoran noted that the council just upped the salaries of mayor Paul Bratt and the town recorder by $2,000 each. Much like WV's more famous speed traps, Summersville and Gauley Bridge, the ticketing is about public safety. Anti-speed trap groups say one of the best ways to change such habits is to carefully avoid doing business in the town. See related stories SUMMERSVILLE $1.2 MILLION SPEED TRAP - They Just Don't Get It, It's Public Safety Business AVOID GAULEY BRIDGE AT THE PERIL OF YOUR POCKETBOOK
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