Most people think those who oppose red light cameras are only those who like to run red lights. That’s incorrect. I don’t run red lights or stop signs and can’t stand it when I see someone who does. Generally, I express my displeasure with a display of my middle finger. Yelling hurts my voice and it takes time to roll down the window. The finger is much quicker. Never mind the fact that the criminal may never see it or know why I flicked them off. It makes me feel better.
There are a few reasons why I think red light cameras are a bad idea. First is the constitutional complaint. It eliminates your right to face your accuser in court. People see the picture of your car and assume that the light was red, thus you are guilty. They never conceive that there may be a problem with the technology. One example is a yellow light that is too short. The lights have timing specifications, but sometimes they’re off. If you should have time to get through an intersection, but the timing of the light off, you get an automatic ticket. Now you are presumed guilty and you can’t face your accuser.
My other objection is about the alleged safety enhancement of these cameras. I don’t buy it. If people aren’t paying attention to the light or are just running the damn thing, they aren’t paying attention to the camera. These folks aren’t deep thinkers. They act quickly, rashly and stupidly.
These cameras are all about generating revenue. As AAA noted, the revenue doesn’t even go toward public safety. Most of it goes to the state’s general fund. Red light cameras are nothing more than a new tax for politicians to abuse.
I sincerely hope that Governor Crist disapproves the state’s red light camera law, but I doubt that he has the cojones to do it. He goes with the majority, and those aren’t the folks who think about being on the dirty end of the stick.
