http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/jupiter-dentist-takes-to-road-to-protest-juno-240900.html

Laurence Grayhills, a Jupiter dentist, protests the Juno Beach speed van about a half mile south of where the van sits.

By Bill DiPaolo

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer　

JUNO BEACH — Honks and thumbs-up signs — and a couple of obscene gestures — from passing motorists greeted Laurence Grayhills Friday afternoon as he stood on the side of U.S. 1 waving his handmade sign reading "Speed Trap Ahead."

The town's white speed van, the object of his warning, was parked on the grass a quarter-mile south. Windows open and cameras ready, the van snaps photos of speeding vehicles. Fines of $125 are sent to the vehicle owners.

"This is big government beating up on people when they can least afford it," Grayhills said as he stood on the southbound swale, across from Juno Beach Ocean Park.

The Jupiter resident and dentist hasn't been tagged with a ticket from the white van. What's got him steamed is town officials' contention that the van promotes road safety.

"The van produces revenue. That's all the town wants," he said, waving to a thumbs up from two women driving by.

A Juno police officer stopped and told Grayhills he could continue. The officer asked Grayhills to move his car, which was illegally parked on the grass.

"The police officer was very professional," said Grayhills, 57.

Recently, Juno Beach also turned on cameras at two locations on Donald Ross Road to catch drivers who blow through red lights. Warning are being issued until March 2, when fines begin.

The infraction is a civil penalty and does not go on a driver's record. The infraction is sent to the owner of the vehicle. The owner's driver license is not suspended if the driver does not pay after 60 days. A collection agency then is notified to collect the fine.

Grayhills said he planned to return periodically with his sign to warn motorists of the van, which is moved regularly.

"Not everybody agrees with me. I can tell when they give me that special hand signal," said Grayhills, waving and smiling.

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