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

http://pottsmerc.com/articles/2011/11/05/opinion/srv0000015062710.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Opinion
Red-light traffic cameras aren't picture perfect
Published: Saturday, November 05, 2011; Last Updated: Sat. Nov 5, 2011, 6:09am

Red-light cameras, automated devices that identify and ticket drivers who run traffic signals, could be coming closer.

Nearly ubiquitous in cities throughout the country, Pennsylvania now limits red-light cameras to Philadelphia. However, a measure which recently passed the state Senate would authorize Pittsburgh and smaller cities to install the devices.

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, a Delaware County Republican, was the sponsor of the legislation. "My legislation will make Pennsylvania roads safer, and it will save lives," he said.

The state House is reportedly not as enthusiastic about red-light cameras, and it's unclear now just if and when it may take up consideration of the measure.

Red-light cameras have the support of organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a trade group. The institute claims that in the biggest cities using the devices, the cameras saved 159 lives between 2004 and 2008.

More cameras in more places would save more lives, the institute concluded.

But other, more recent reports cast a shadow over the cameras, both in terms of safety and economics.

A pro-consumer group says the for-profit companies that usually operate the cameras — under contract with municipalities — can put revenue generation ahead of safety and accuracy.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group said that many contracts include provisions splitting ticket proceeds between camera companies and municipalities or linking financial incentives to the number of tickets issued.

Red-light cameras utilize sensors and cameras to take photographs of a car's license plate as the vehicle runs the light. A ticket, carrying a fine usually of about $100, is generated to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Red-light cameras have become big business in some states. PIRG found the industry recently sent 40 lobbyists to Florida to beat back legislation which would have required municipalities to extend the time of yellow lights to increase intersection safety and decrease red-light violations.

As long as private companies and cash-strapped municipalities are linked financially, the temptation to use red-light cameras as sort of 21st century speed traps is just too great, particularly if the safety effectiveness of red-light cameras is not necessarily a given.

That's where another recent study gets interesting. The Philadelphia Police Department just reported that its own study found that the total number of accidents was up 12 percent at the 15 intersections that have had the cameras for at least a year.

Although the police study is disputed by the city's parking authority and others, it still raises too much doubt in our minds that this program deserves wider use.  (Ban the Cams note:  http://www.phphosts.org/blog/2011/10/another-report-shows-redlight-cameras-increasing-accidents/  or http://www.banthecams.org/Studies-Show/red-light-cameras-effect-on-accidents-is-debatable.html)

— The Associated Press

(Lancaster) Intelligencer Journal

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (registered users only)
	Add Comment Preview