Red Light Revolt!

A Supreme Court ruling last year requiring that scientists be made available to testify in court cases about lab evidence they prepare may have the added effect of curtailing the use of automated traffic-enforcement cameras to assess criminal penalties. Two California judges this month tossed out batches of red-light camera tickets, citing a 5-4 decision by the high court in a Massachusetts case. California is one of 23 states and the District of Columbia that operate red-light camera programs, but in 21 of those jurisdictions — including Maryland, Virginia and the District — violations generated by the cameras are civil infractions, like a parking ticket, issued to the vehicle’s owner instead of criminal violations levied against the driver

Unfair In regard to “Red-light camera foes get green light” (Page B1, Wednesday), charges against the car owner are unfair and wrong because there are no provisions for the accused to challenge the charge, even if he was not driving or inside the car at the time of the alleged infraction. The car owner should not be charged if he did not commit the violation, and if charged, should be able to defend himself.

HOUSTON—Houston has raked in more than $24 million since the first of its 70 red-light cameras started operating in 2007. But since the cameras were installed, public opinion has been split. Proponents argue that the cameras make intersections safer.

The Press Journal editorial Aug. 4 about installing cameras at traffic lights to stop people disobeying the law gave some science. Was more provided at the Aug

MEMPHIS, TN— Don’t worry about getting caught on camera making a rolling right hand turn in Memphis, you probably won’t get a ticket.

Do Florida cities have public safety foremost in mind when they install red-light cameras at intersections?

Cautions to consider on red-light cameras Before we consider giving the green light to installing red-light cameras at intersections, there are a couple of things to think about. One important consideration is that the operation of red-light cameras is a commercial business. It is a money-maker for the companies and the government agencies involved.

Traffic cameras—those pesky devices that take pictures of vehicles running red lights and mail tickets to the registered owners a month later—are currently in use in over 450 communities in the U.S. But with evidence mounting that the cameras don’t necessarily increase safety, raise expected revenue, or meet legal requirements, many local governments are finally getting rid of them . Earlier this month, after enduring complaints from various activists, Arizona Gov

The Tampa Tribune Published: July 28, 2010 The red-light camera law is a perfect example of the effects of authoritarian management of our government bureaucracies. The purpose of traffic lights is to promote safe negotiation of the use of the intersection and to promote efficient use of our highways.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some critics on Tuesday said that the city’s controversial red light camera program is fundamentally flawed and could be challenged in court. The city said that the red light camera program is about safety, but 10 Investigates has discovered the camera system that helps spot red light violators may be based on a shaky law.