AAA Press Release: Hampton, Florida No Longer a "Traffic Trap"

05/10/96

AAA DROPS ONE TOWN'S 'TRAFFIC TRAP' DESIGNATION

ORLANDO, Fla., May 9 -- The American Automobile
Association today removed the "traffic trap" designation from the
community of Hampton, Fla.

"We are pleased with the steps taken by community leaders in Hampton
to address our concerns about the use of traffic fines as a major source
of revenue," said James L. Kolstad, vice president of AAA Public and
Government Relations.

"The primary reason we removed Hampton's traffic trap designation is
a significant decrease in the number of citations being issued," said
Kolstad.  "We also have noted changes in enforcement practices and
official statements from the town council in support of the modified
enforcement policies."

Kolstad added that AAA is hopeful Hampton officials will soon begin
proceedings to de-annex a section of land along U.S. 301 which is two
miles west of the town proper.  That annexation gave Hampton law
enforcement jurisdiction over motorist traveling on the highway.
Two nearby communities -- Waldo and Lawtey -- still are listed as
traffic traps by AAA, indicating questionable law enforcement practices
related to speed regulations.  They are the only communities in the
nation to carry the designation.

"We are hopeful that Waldo and Lawtey will follow Hampton's
example," Kolstad said.

All three towns are located along a 20-mile section of U.S. 301
southwest of Jacksonville.  The highway is a major link to the central
part of Florida and to I-75 for motorists entering the state on I-95.
AAA began warning its members about traffic traps in the area in
August after an investigation by AAA Auto Club South, headquartered in
Tampa, Fla.  The removal of Hampton from the traffic trap list is based
on a follow-up study by AAA Auto Club South and a review by the AAA
National Office in Heathrow, Fla.

The status of the designations for Waldo and Lawtey will be reviewed
regularly until changes are made in speed enforcement practices.
AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 112 motor clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.