Photo Enforced-Red Light Camera Controversy Essay Example
Red Light Cameras, Is their Only Purpose For Revenue? by Maria Protine
CM223-06AU Instructor Ream February 15, 2010 The debate over whether red light cameras are effective or not can cause a great divide among any group of people. Proponents of the cameras say that they are effective in reducing accidents and those against them are adamant that they are only in place to increase revenues for local law enforcement. This paper will bring forth facts that indicate that red light cameras are in place to make communities money and not for reducing accidents. Red light cameras are cameras that are placed at intersections and connected to traffic signals. The camera is triggered by any vehicle entering the intersection above a certain speed and after the signal light has turned red. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing losses from crashes, the cameras record the date, time of day, time that has elapsed since the red light, speed, and license plate. (IIHS, 2009) While many red light camera scoffers argue that driver's insurance rates will go up, these types of violations are similar to parking tickets and should not affect rates or driving record. Employees of RedSpeed, one of the two major companies that are the technology behind the cameras and review violations, said that when revenue decreases due to a decline in violations, many cities relocate their cameras. (Tribune, 2008) This would lend some credence the statement by many that red light cameras are only in place for city revenue. To further support this view that cameras are in place only for revenue, a report from the National Motorists Association revealed that were six cities that were being
CM223-06AU Instructor Ream February 15, 2010 The debate over whether red light cameras are effective or not can cause a great divide among any group of people. Proponents of the cameras say that they are effective in reducing accidents and those against them are adamant that they are only in place to increase revenues for local law enforcement. This paper will bring forth facts that indicate that red light cameras are in place to make communities money and not for reducing accidents. Red light cameras are cameras that are placed at intersections and connected to traffic signals. The camera is triggered by any vehicle entering the intersection above a certain speed and after the signal light has turned red. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing losses from crashes, the cameras record the date, time of day, time that has elapsed since the red light, speed, and license plate. (IIHS, 2009) While many red light camera scoffers argue that driver's insurance rates will go up, these types of violations are similar to parking tickets and should not affect rates or driving record. Employees of RedSpeed, one of the two major companies that are the technology behind the cameras and review violations, said that when revenue decreases due to a decline in violations, many cities relocate their cameras. (Tribune, 2008) This would lend some credence the statement by many that red light cameras are only in place for city revenue. To further support this view that cameras are in place only for revenue, a report from the National Motorists Association revealed that were six cities that were being