For many drivers, those automated cameras that enforce red light violations are pretty annoying. Now, a consumer advocacy group says they may also be threatening the public interest by putting profit above safety. In a report released Thursday, the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group called on municipalities to not share revenue with vendors on a per-ticket basis, but to create contracts that are “cost-neutral” and carry a flat fee.
The national report by the advocacy group also said municipalities should first investigate traffic-engineering solutions for problem intersections and roadways.
Jen Kim, of NJPIRG, said too many cities wrongly sign away power to ensure the safety of citizens by privatizing traffic law enforcement, and that the contracts with private companies focus more on profits than safety.
“We really think that these red-light cameras should be used a last resort,” said Kim. “Not just revenue for cash-strapped cities.”
In a five-year pilot program overseen by the state Department of Transportation, cameras have been placed in at least 24 municipalities. Joe Dee, a DOT spokesman, said the program, which ends in 2013, is to see whether the cameras promote safety.
Red-light cameras now operate in municipalities including Newark, Wayne, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Woodbridge and Linden. More in Star Ledger.
red light? what’s that?
these cameras can actually make it more dangerous. As i myself experienced when driving through those intersection with cameras and the light turns yellow, instead of going through like you usually would, you make a short stop because you dont want to risk getting caught by the camera, and that is dangerous.
its the one on top…but don’t hold me to that. some lakewood residents think there just for decoration,or the holidays..?
You will never EVER see tham in Lakewoo
hey, dont want a ticket? STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS!
WHAT HAPPINTS WHEN A COP GOES THRU
when a cop goes thru they get a ticket… i think lakewood should install them.. it would only help some of the lawless people who constantly run lights..
Nothing….The township monitors the tickets and throws those of police vehicles or emergency vehicles away so, they know what there looking at. I think its a bunch of (moderated) really. I can understand a township wanting cameras at intersections for accident purposes but not red light runners.
To #7: Hmmmm…. and red light runners are not accidents in the making?
I’m not saying red light runners are in the right, or they should get away with it. If they are caught by a police officer they should be pulled over and ticketed. Not by a camera that makes mistakes all the time.