Jurisdiction

Barnard, Vermont

Speed Trap Location

VT Route 12 by Silver Lake, center of town

Nearest Reference Point

n/a

GPS Coordinates

n/a

Time of Day

AM Rush Hour

Level of Enforcement

Moderate

Type of Enforcement

Radar, Laser

Date

3/2003

Windsor County Sheriff Deputy parks at bottom of hill waiting for northbound traffic on Vt. Route 12 to enter the 30 mph zone from a 50 mph zone. Sheriff loves to make a show of pulling over anyone, sometimes in an unsafe manner, i.e., blocking traveled roadways,etc. It's a new revenue stream for the town.

Comment (5/2003): The county mounties are contracted by the town to patrol 2hrs a week. If you travel through here often and see one, there is a good chance you won't see them again for several days.

Comment (3/2003): It's also a school zone, store parking and a dangerous curve. I applaud our county mounties!

Comment (6/2003): Its not marked as a school zone, and they clock you upon entry to the 30 mph zone. No discussion. BTW the Sheriff gets a percentage of the ticket revenue in Vermont -its part of his contract. I tried to fight this in court, explaining that it takes 6 seconds and .06 miles to reduce speed from 50 mph to 30 mph so its impossible for a driver to react and slow before the 30 mph sign. I lost, but am considering an appeal. I would be interested in any other similar stories relating to this speed trap.

Comment (6/2003): Please appeal it and let me know how you make out. The speed zone starts AT THE SIGN. If you are over the posted speed limit after you pass the sign, you'r speeding--period. It'll be cheaper for you to pay the fine. Plus, if your'e so smart with the math calculations and time needed to slow, etc., how come you aren't smart enough not to speed and get caught?

Comment (9/2004): BY THE WAY--The sheriff does NOT get a percentage of the ticket revenue. The town or state gets the revenue only! The only way a sheriff makes money is off of contracts he writes and the pay he gets from the county.