Be wary, as speed cameras seem to flourish overseas

QWe returned from Australia two months ago and are now starting to receive in the mail speeding tickets from cameras. So far we have received three tickets totaling over $800.

One of the tickets is for 3 mph over the speed limit. That’s not a typo. Just 3 mph. — Sue Kayton and Michael Barclay, Menlo Park

AFolks traveling overseas, I warned you about this many years ago. So what did you do?

QWe contacted the Australian consulate and they said they can’t help.

The first two tickets were within 30 minutes of each other. Had we been pulled over by police for 3 mph over the speed limit, we would have known that they take their speed limits very seriously and would have slowed down. But we didn’t find out about this until two months after our return.

Can you please help? — Sue Kayton and Michael Barclay

AAlas, the powers of Roadshow don’t extend to Aussie land. Numerous California drivers have gotten camera tickets there and in France, Italy, and Belgium. An $80 ticket can mushroom into $1,200 if one doesn’t pay. Appeals often fall on deaf ears and some drivers have been refused entry back into those countries until they paid their fines.

QYears ago I received a notice from a car rental company of a photo radar ticket in Australia for going approximately 3 mph over the speed limit. Failure to pay would result in not being allowed to enter Australia or New Zealand in the future. I paid the fine. — Mike Melligan, Campbell

AMy advice: Don’t ignore tickets in other countries which employ speed cameras. Check ahead and consult with the rental car companies. And heed their speed limits.

QThe letter from Dan McDonald suggesting senior citizen drivers have their own lanes was out of line and off base. I am a senior and usually drive the speed limit or faster.

Shame on you, Gary. It was senior shaming and disrespectful and you participated in that. Oh well. Glad we are not family. — Pat Kruse

AIn my family, we can joke about something like this. But I prefer they be labeled Grandpa Lanes in honor of the arrival of our first grandchild this summer.

QOne of your readers mentioned that they use their headlights day and night while driving. But, my wife doesn’t do this in her ’07 Infiniti G35 and the special Xenon bulbs cost $165 each (part price only)! When they do eventually die I’ll have to see if I can find a more affordable replacement. — Larry Schwarcz

AFolks, any suggestions for Larry?