Red Light Camera

[alarson]

I don't have a problem with Red Light cameras but I do have a problem with speed cameras.

I have a lot bigger problem with speed cameras (mainly because speed limits are set artificially low in many places).

However, one of the big problems with red light cameras, is that intersections that use them also have conveniently tended to have their yellow light shortened (because shorter yellow=more violations=more $$. You could improve safety at a lot of these intersections more by lengthening that yellow light than by putting up a camera.

 

[sp8815]

Generally if you fight the ticket on a red light camera you should win. In order to put on the camera evidence in court the prosecutor would have to bring in someone to prove the camera was working correctly, etc. Prosecutors almost never have anyone to do this so if you go and deny you ran the light, or at least make them prove it, it should get dismissed. The city counts on people not fighting these b/c they are "no point" violations and people just don't want to bother with it or pay the $$$ to hire an attorney. Frankly, it comes down to how much you want to hassle with it - if you want to have fun and go to CT to fight it then do it, unfortunately hiring an attorney probably not worth it with one of these tickets. With that said do hire a local attorney for all your other traffic needs.

 

[MBulldog]

Generally if you fight the ticket on a red light camera you should win. In order to put on the camera evidence in court the prosecutor would have to bring in someone to prove the camera was working correctly, etc. Prosecutors almost never have anyone to do this so if you go and deny you ran the light, or at least make them prove it, it should get dismissed. The city counts on people not fighting these b/c they are "no point" violations and people just don't want to bother with it or pay the $$$ to hire an attorney. Frankly, it comes down to how much you want to hassle with it - if you want to have fun and go to CT to fight it then do it, unfortunately hiring an attorney probably not worth it with one of these tickets. With that said do hire a local attorney for all your other traffic needs.

Are you sure about that? I'd think the pictures and video of the car running the red light would be all the evidence the city would need to show that the camera was working.

 

[CyAg]

If you remember, they were were installed, then taken offline when someone fought them and get them overruled.
Funny item, this was a police officer from Waukee. He is a libertarian and fought it based on principle.

 

[bellzisu]

I have a lot bigger problem with speed cameras (mainly because speed limits are set artificially low in many places).

However, one of the big problems with red light cameras, is that intersections that use them also have conveniently tended to have their yellow light shortened (because shorter yellow=more violations=more $$. You could improve safety at a lot of these intersections more by lengthening that yellow light than by putting up a camera.

Lengthening a yellow will only encourage more people to run it. You could have a split second yellow and you will have someone a half mile away trying to run it instead of correctly slowing down and coming to a stop.

Only way I can see fighting a ticket is if the video can show that you could not stop safely before the light turned red, and without speeding.

Can't feel sorry for people getting these tickets unless they had some kind of medical or major emergency. My dad has gotten 2 in Sioux City because he doesn't pay attention, see no vehicles and forgets to stop.

A law is a law. You break it you pay. That being said, I break the law alot on little things. If I get caught I have no one else to blame. I think people have a hard time accepting blame.

 

[alarson]

Lengthening a yellow will only encourage more people to run it. You could have a split second yellow and you will have someone a half mile away trying to run it instead of correctly slowing down and coming to a stop.

Thats not what the statistics say.

(much like other myths, such as the one where if you raise speed limits 10mph, people will still average 10mph above those)

 

[sp8815]

In order to offer evidence at a trial you have to show a "foundation" for the evidence. With these automated cameras that involves bringing someone in to show the camera was operating properly.

 

[06_CY]

Should security cameras be used to identify a robber/burglar/criminal etc.?

IMO, that's not comparing apples to apples.

 

[bellzisu]

Thats not what the statistics say.

(much like other myths, such as the one where if you raise speed limits 10mph, people will still average 10mph above those)

People will... How much of a warning do you need saying a light is going to turn. In drivers ed didn't they teach you to be cautious during a stale green light???


And speed.... I average 5 over no matter what the speed limit is. If it was 90, sure as heck I'm going 95. Until they start ticketing people for 5 over worse then what they do.

I think if they raised ticket fees, then just maybe then, people will follow the law. Obviously we don't charge people enough for speeding. Amazing how they can bust 200 people every other week on 235 and people still don't learn a lesson. Next step... Raise prices more. The more it hurts people in the wallet, the more likely people will learn.

 

[bellzisu]

IMO, that's not comparing apples to apples.

Both are catching people doing illegal actions. Seems like apples to apples.

 

[bufante]

In order to offer evidence at a trial you have to show a "foundation" for the evidence. With these automated cameras that involves bringing someone in to show the camera was operating properly.

My guess is they have an officer in the department who has been trained enough to offer this evidence into court?

 

[simply1]

Both are catching people doing illegal actions. Seems like apples to apples.

Is that your sole criteria for cameras?

 

[cloneluke80]

It's all about the $$$$$$$$$$

Clive loves the benjamins.

 

[simply1]

It's all about the $$$$$$$$$$

Clive loves the benjamins.

So does the contracted company

 

[MBulldog]

In order to offer evidence at a trial you have to show a "foundation" for the evidence. With these automated cameras that involves bringing someone in to show the camera was operating properly.

I understand the whole foundation, but I'm not sure that the city would need to do anything special to show that the camera was working. I would think that the mere fact that the camera produced a video lays the foundation that the camera was working. You can then watch the video to determine whether the car ran the red light. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a feeling a traffic judge would laugh if you tried to argue that the city needs to show that the camera was working.

 

[LindenCy]

It's all about the $$$$$$$$$$

Clive loves the benjamins.

Although there are pro and con arguments for having the cameras, I think ultimately it is about money also.

The main problem I have with camera tickets is that if you get one it is very hard to get out of even with extenuating circumstances, which will be harder to argue, i.e. weather, etc.

 

[agrabes]

Is that your sole criteria for cameras?

It is for me. I know I bought my new Canon based on its ability to catch criminals. :wideeyed:

Seriously though, he's right. It is comparing apples to apples. Sure, running a red light is much less serious than stealing. That doesn't mean it's not against the law.

 

[bellzisu]

Is that your sole criteria for cameras?

The law is the law... Sole criteria.. Not seeing a grey area in there. The law is what it states. It catches people breaking the law. Just like cameras catching people breaking into a building. It catches people breaking the law.

I don't see a problem with them.

 

[simply1]

Since law is the sole criteria, I'll send some folks over to put them in your house, just to be sure.

 

[bellzisu]

Since law is the sole criteria, I'll send some folks over to put them in your house, just to be sure.

Wow.. are they installed in your house. No they are on a public road. Where do cops patrol??? Public Roads...

Not seeing the invasion of privacy you are screaming for here.