A question, if the use of redlight cameras is to reduce the number of wrecks, improve safety, catch those that do not use cowardly devices, then why do they issues fines? If this is about safety, should they not make you attend a driving safety class, make you wear a funny hat, or just call and yell at you. "Drive safer, we saw you run that light, maniac!"
Ok, I know fines are a great motivator. However the people in River Forest, Illinois want to know "...whether the village's desire to have red light cameras was a safety or money issue." The people in River Forest wanted to lower the fines, and some interesting information slipped out.
It seems that the people who install the redlight cameras make about $36 per ticket issued, then police have to have people review and issue tickets. So for the process to be cost effective it runs up to $100 a fine.
Village President John Rigas said he'd spoken with River Forest Police Chief Frank Limon, who said there was only one type of red light violation. Whether people failed to stop on a right turn or simply ran the light, there was a violation of the law, Rigas said.
That can be a lot of money for just not coming to a complete stop to turn right on a redlight. The truth is they are using them to make money, not improve driving safety. The people selling the cameras are making even more money. So if you live in a city with cameras, make sure to tell them thanks for making the camera operators rich.
I doubt any of us want people to run redlights, but making the lights shorter to "catch" people, and putting people making a turn on red in the same category out of greed is irresponsible. Make sure you are warned about the intersections with cameras, and please contact us if you have any questions about redlight camera protective devices, or if you are looking for a radar detector.
