(Thanks to www.stpetecameras.org for the link)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-red-light-cameras-forum-20111016,0,3348190.story

Red-light cameras all about making cities money

By Barbara Sharief
 
October 16, 2011
Recently, a proposal to charge cities for the use of county equipment to operate red-light cameras at various intersections was rejected by the same cities that had claimed that public safety was their primary concern, not money.

I have stated all along that if safety were the motive, I would support this effort, but clearly, this latest action proves my theory true. It's all about the money.

I believe that most drivers are prudent and have no intention of ever running a red light. I in no way condone breaking the law. If we want increased safety and more eyes on our streets, let's increase law enforcement. These red-light cameras actually increase rear-end collisions by 17 percent and are placed at "high-traffic" intersections to produce more revenue.

Many people are living off one income or are unemployed. The cost of one red-light camera ticket is $158, and it increases to $260 if not paid in 30 days. The payment is then sent to the vendor. This is a regressive tax and forces people who don't understand how to defend themselves, or who cannot leave work to defend themselves, to pay.

Why should the Broward County Commission allow a private company to use taxpayers' equipment to issue more infractions? When cities were asked to finance the use of the county equipment, they pulled out of the proposed deal. It appears to me that profit, not protection, was at the heart of that decision.

I will always vote no on the use of red-light cameras because it is nothing more than a huge money grab on the poor, middle class, seniors and residents who are trying to make ends meet in this tough economy.

Barbara Sharief is a Broward County Commissioner representing District 8.

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