New Jersey’s Red Light Camera pilot program ends today. Senator Michael Doherty (R-23), the sponsor of legislation (S-626) to ban the use of red light cameras in New Jersey, commented on the conclusion of the state’s red light camera pilot program and warned that citizens must remain vigilant to prevent the program’s return.

“Over the five years of the red light camera pilot program, we have shattered the myth that cameras protect drivers or make inherently dangerous intersections safer,” said Doherty. “We have proven that the only thing cameras are consistently good at is robbing drivers through expensive and questionable tickets to support the wasteful spending of local officials.”

Nearly 7,100 people signed on online petition on Doherty’s website to support his legislation to ban the cameras, a sign of the substantial public frustration with the automated ticketing systems.

“The thousands of people who joined our efforts over the past two and a half years to ban the cams should know that their voices have been heard,” said Doherty. “The massive outrage demonstrated by the public has convinced the Governor and most in the Legislature to not extend the authority of towns to issue tickets using red light cameras after the pilot program ends on December 16th.”

Doherty noted that although the red light cameras are set to turn off tomorrow, citizens must remain vigilant and ready to act to prevent the cameras’ return.

“Towns that are addicted to ticket revenues are scheming with red light camera companies on ways to keep the money flowing, and some are even lobbying for the addition of speed cameras as a new stream of revenue,” added Doherty. “People who fought the cameras should be proud of their accomplishment for now, but it’s clear that we cannot afford to let our guard down.”

[TLS]