Free ice cream for driving too fast? Ruston bar offers dessert promotion for speeding tickets

As more traffic enforcement cameras go up around Pierce County, one bar in Ruston is encouraging anyone who is caught to drown their sorrows with a free brownie sundae or root beer float.

Coles Bar & Grill shared the promotion on social media, stating, “Free dessert when you show us a speed camera ticket in Ruston.”

The post also encourages readers to “Let us be the silver lining!” The offer only extends to tickets issued by the city of Ruston.

The city activated five speed cameras in September and began issuing tickets this month, according to The Tacoma News Tribune. The bar’s manager said it was inspired by his own warning that he received from the city for exceeding the speed limit.

Comments on the post suggest a few locals are eager to take advantage of the offer, with users writing “Almost all of my coworkers have gotten a few of those in the mail now,” and “I have two tickets so far […] I know another is coming.”

The need for speed cameras

A warning in the mail for driving too fast is becoming common across western Washington as communities race to install their own speed cameras. Earlier this week, cameras in northeast Tacoma illustrated how reckless drivers can be on certain roads. Speed cameras on Norpoint Way and Marine View Drive caught more than 14,000 speeders per day, according to The Tacoma News Tribune.

The grace period just ended for four new speed cameras in Bellevue, placed near hospitals, parks, and schools. The city said speeding events decreased by 40% during the 30-day warning period.

The new camera technology is seeing widespread adoption for cities that want to see drivers actually obey the posted speed limit. As the number of frustrated drivers continues to rise, maybe more restaurants will offer promotions to attract new high-speed clients.

Contributing: Jason Sutich, My Northwest

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