Got Flashed?

Got Flashed?

So the other day I was driving down Mid Rivers Mall Drive, and I was approaching a stop light when I saw the signal change to yellow. What’s the first thing you think when you see a yellow light, and you’re not that far away? Well, I think “I don’t want to get stuck for the next cycle,” so I speed up and FLASH! The red light camera snags another victim. My picture is taken just as I enter the intersection.  Because the cross traffic lights had not yet changed to green, there was no danger in this circumstance. Red light cameras are the biggest rip off ever.

My problems with red light cameras are shared by many others in my community. You can find red light cameras on many intersections in St. Peters. Some city officials may say, “The cameras are making the city safer.” Yes, they would be partially correct, but what they don’t say is that between January 2007 to September 2008 the city made $235,973. While some tickets may be deserved, I believe that many tickets are robbing those who don’t deserve to have their hard earned money taken away. The city alderman who you elected may say:

1. The cameras reduce accidents.
2. The cameras prevent speeding.
3. The cameras generate revenue. (Although the city officials will not admit to this)

These are all logical reasons to have red light cameras except for one thing. The city is more concerned with making money than anything else. While many fatalities do occur when running red lights, many of the tickets being issued are not being given to life endangering drivers. There are several examples of minor infractions that would cause a ticket to be issued.  So, every time you see a red light camera flash, think of your lovely City Alderman cashing your check.

One way to receive a ticket is while making a right on red. If you do not make a complete stop when making your right turn, you will get a ticket. This is absolutely absurd!  If there is nobody insight, why do you have to make a complete stop? Technology should not be enforcing laws more strictly than a police officer would at the intersection. Go sit at the corner of Mexico and Spencer and see for yourself how many people are getting a ticket every hour.

Another problem I have with the cameras is entering on the yellow or as it turns red.  There is always a second or two delay after a light turns red to when the other intersection lights turn green. If your car enters on the yellow or right as the signal turns red, you should not get a ticket. The camera should be getting the drivers who are entering way after the light has turned red and causing a real danger to drivers. In some states such as Illinois, drivers are encouraged to enter the intersection when making a left turn, wait till the light turns red, then complete their turn. Doesn’t this seem logical? While all the lights are red, an extra car can get through the intersection safely.  A red light camera is more prone to cause an accident from someone slamming on his or her breaks because they are afraid to get a ticket.

Lastly, city officials won’t admit the red light cameras are programmed in a way to increase revenue than actually prevent accidents. The lights should be programmed to not give the tickets to the drivers who roll through a right on red or as the signal turns yellow. The picture should only be taken if there is a danger.  This could include no effort to slow down when making a right turn or drivers entering the intersection after the other lights have turned green.

Running a red light is a very serious crime and may cause damage and in some cases a fatality. I am in no way trying to encourage saving a few seconds while risking the life of others. Red light cameras can be beneficial, but they are not right now. Our city needs to reconsider how the red light cameras are programmed and find a solution to the problem.  Be part of the change and contact your city officials.