Portland, Oregon Speed Traps

Traveling east on Burnside, past the last side street (2nd Ave) is what I would describe as an "exploitive" position of one of Portland’s three radar vans. As you read the various comments regarding these placements, some could be defined as whining. However, some are undoubtedly exploitive. The van is at the very end of the run of 25 mph that goes through downtown where the only posting is at around 10th Ave. and directly precedes an increased posting of 35 mph. The van is placed where the 35 mph is clearly visible and because of the fact that there are no side streets the traffic flow increases at that point. If safety were the issue, the placement would be where there is a heave amount of pedestrian activity and side streets. I observed many tickets "flashed" as well as dramatic decelerations (Can that be safe?) at this location. I was not ticketed (this time) but was never-the-less irate at the "strategic" placement. Additionally, a motor-cycle officer came up alongside our vehicle at the east end of the bridge and without flashing blue lights, proceeded to make an illegal free right turn from the left of two turn lanes. I have questioned officers about this maneuver and they have stated that only from the right hand lane is it legal to make a turn on a red light. The frustration stems from both the strategy of some of these placements coupled with the arrogance of officers disobeying the laws on the very duty (traffic) they are assigned to police. I am spending time contributing to this forum with the optomistic view that if enough people express concern over the placement of the vans such as not too close visibly to an increase mph sign or other restrictions,it might support the safety and livability argument of the police. As long as these placements continue, respect for the police department is undermined by the argument of mere revenue generation. Photo radar may have it’s place but legitimate use is critical for it’s credibility.

This Photo Radar speed trap was placed along Hwy 30 (St. Helens Road) In a clearly marked No Parking Zone along both the East and Westbound sides of the Road. In a Industrial area of the City of Portland. This is a Revision of the original intended law for which the was intended. Placement of the Photo Radar Van is clearly a Safety Hazard.

On 122nd and Madison, there is a cop that sits in a parking lot with his parking lights on. Exact location is right across the street from the Firestation on the west side of 122nd. I don’t exactly remember what buildings are in the lot, but one of them is a Farmers Insurance. He’s usually there between I’d say 8pm to 2 pm. Sometimes there’s one there and sometimes not.

Heading N. on Basin towards end of Swan Island. Motorcycle cop radars incoming traffic. I work across the street so I happen to see this A LOT! Sometimes he/she will sit there for well over an hour and pull over at LEAST 15-20 people.

Driving South on SE 28th ave from SE Holgate you might encounter a Portland Police blue photo radar…usually parked in front of a couple cars so you can’t see them too easily. The "required" posted sign is usually a long ways from the van, near Holgate…always down on the ground level leaning there…where most motorists do not focus their eyes to while driving. Speed is 25 or 30…can’t remember which…but look carefully.