Red light cameras are being installed across our country at an alarming rate. As time passes, more and more citizens fall victim to this local government scam. Every town that currently uses cameras does so in the name of public traffic safety.  While most polls show that cameras do not increase safety and may actually increase accidents, many cities currently need the extra revenue that these systems can provide.

Most people, both for or against red light cameras agree that clearly running through a red traffic light is illegal, dangerous, and those who do should be ticketed for their negligence. The anger over red light cameras comes when 60-90% of all tickets come from right on red turns, not for passing through an intersection late, which is by far more dangerous. Red light cameras cause some drivers to slam on the breaks when caught between yellow and red, causing more rear end accidents than before the cameras were installed.

In Florida, 2008 studies show that 76 people were killed do to disobeying a traffic light, a reletively small number considering the population. A city of 70,000 people can easily ticket over 80 drivers per day from just 3-5 cameras placed at popular intersections.

Since these tickets are given through city ordinanaces and not state law, failuare to pay the fine  may result in having a lien placed on your home or automobile, you may be reported to a collection company, and now Colorado officials want to issue a warrant and send those who don’t pay to jail. New laws also look to prevent citizens from renewing a drivers license or tag if a red light ticket remains unpaid.

Fines range from $50 in some states to as high as $446 per ticket in Los Angeles, CA. Many state also charge $25-$50 to contest the ticket in front of a hearing officer. Without cameras, the officers job would not exist and its in his/her best interest to keep the money rolling in. In Orlando, Florida over 6,100 people challenged their ticket and only 1 person was excused from the offense. The hearings provide even more revenue for cash strapped cities nationwide.

Red light cameras simply represent everything wrong with America today. Camera companies, local government, and the media like to use the word safety as much as possible and then watch the money roll in. The cameras are the American  taxpayers bailout of local government, usually passed by 4-7 city council members who desperately need to balance their budgets.

It’s time to end red light cameras in the United States once and for all. Please contact your state and city officials and tell them you want the cameras to come down.