Braidwood is a former coal-mining town. The coal played out decades ago; while I feel sorry for their economic loss, it is still no excuse for them to become the automotive equivalent of Somali Pirates to stoke their city coffers. I was on my way out of town, almost to the interchange where I assumed the speed limit went up. Not so, according to the nice officer. The only plus side of this encounter is that he was respectful and professional in his demeanor.