> Yes they are. The summons part is essentially what happens when a cop issues you a ticket..

They are reporting, not regulating. You don't get a ticket from a random person.

> The more I read about it, the more it seems like a great scam, though. Film trucks, make them appear to be running for a couple of tokens and drown your competition in fines. Once a day on some trial will likely be enough even.

This rule is in place for a long time. It isn't a scam nor is what you dreamt up happening.