Police wrote 650 speeding tickets based on unapproved device

City bureau admits illegal timer was used for 6 months
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
By Moriah Balingit, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police acknowledged yesterday that officers illegally issued about 650 speeding tickets over the past six months by using a speed timing device that has not been approved for use in Pennsylvania.

The device, called light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, was being tested by the bureau pending approval of legislation that would allow its use. But it was supposed to be compared to and used in conjunction with an approved speed timing device, like VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder).

• Police wrote 650 speeding tickets based on unapproved device