Twenty Third Floor

Figuring out the future and the now

Unintended unlucky consequences

December 8, 2010

David Kirk

A speed-camera that automatically enters those driving below the speed limit into a lottery? Interesting idea, more carrot than stick so to speak.

Have they considered that this attracts people to drive by it slowly rather than attract people driving past it to drive slowly? Â Instant congestion. Economics is all about incentives and often about unintended consequences.

Yes, I know they probably weren’t serious about this idea.

2 responses to “Unintended unlucky consequences”

Francois Botha

8 December 2010

Well, if it were hidden mobile cameras (the type we usually bitch about), it would be fine.

Reply
1. David Kirk
  
  9 December 2010
  
  That’s a really good point. Part of me likes the idea that just by obeying the law I have a chance to win big.
  
  Of course, and as a complete aside, this still doesn’t change the questionable point of whether focussing so much on speeding is an efficient way to make our roads safer.
  
  Reply

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