Waldo, Florida Speed Traps

highway 301 through the town of Waldo, in the county of Alachua, Florida. I noted that the speed limit signs along various points in this vicinity were difficult to see and very closely spaced causing a vehicle to rapidly decrease speed in a unsafe manner from 65 mph to 55 mph then to 45 mph through intersections. The afternoon was overcast and rainy conditions I went through one of these intersection where local police set up a speed trap. I spoke later with a local who indicated that the traffic signs are constantly being moved and altered in the area. When traveling at 65 miles an hour the 45 mph signs only just become visible at the last moment, as they are directly behind the signs indicating speeding fines being enforced. The speeding fines sign is directly behind a 55 mph sign. very deceptive… I recommend avoiding this area and taking major highways if possible. If you must travel through Waldo, I suggest being careful when it is dark or overcast as it seemed an opportune time for the speedtrap to effective…. My fine was $244… They checked everything, particualarly that all individuals in my vehicle were wearing a seat belt. They seemed determined to milk me for as much as possible.

As an Officer in a neighboring town I know that they have a problem and if they did not agressively act they would have people hit by cars all the time. However, I was doing about 5mph over the limit and the officer said I was doing 15 mph over the limit. I told him who I was and that I was not going that fast. (my speedo had been checked in a local establishment) He let me go. I would have fought that citation like no one had ever fought before. This was several, at least 14 yrs ago, but it left a bad taste in my mouth and I always slow to at least 5mph below the limit. I don’t need the cost of fighting the citation.

Everything is enforced and ticketed. Speed, lane changes without a turn signal, following too close, equipment failures (brake, head, tail lights, etc.) are all fair game for a citation. Even AAA warns of this town. The place makes it’s living as a speed trap. No warnings, no breaks, just a ticket for the max. Avoid at all costs. What these cops don’t see they make up.

Speed drops abruptly from 60 to 35. Cop said I was doing 60, but i was slowing down, and probably doing 50 at most, and travelling at same speed as other cars. Ticket was $240 + $20 to pay on-line by credit card!! Total scam.

In Waldo, FL on FL 24 eastbound just before the intersection with US 301. There is a patch of woods at a right hand curve. The speed limit abruptly falls from 55 mph ot 35 mph in less than one half mile. The police sit their car just off the road beyond the wooded area.

5/2008