The following is a copy of a memo sent to the Municipal Court regarding the abuse of speed traps:

"On or about March 20, heading west on the West Seattle Bridge, I took the Admiral exit. After rounding the bend onto Admiral way, there suddenly appeared many motorcycle police officers (previously hidden from view) pulling over what seemed like every car. I was going with the flow of traffic (which was quite heavy) and did not have time to slow down for the new speed limit. I was ticketed and fined $132.50.

There is something wrong here. Surely the city can find a better way to raise revenue than resorting to the devious use of this blatant "speed trap" It amounts to nothing more than a hidden tax, not to mention the automatic increase in auto insurance. The result is a district and adversarial relationship between police (who usually do an excellent job) and the public. In this instance, the spirit of he law was abandoned for the letter of the law. I would hope in the future, the police would rise above this "gotcha" mentality.

May I suggest that you post the new speed limit at the end of the ramp before rounding the bend onto Admiral to alert drivers to what is ahead.

James W. Bragg

Rainier Beach