<![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras? - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras? - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Red light cameras are the DEVIL!

Red light cameras often are not installed at the intersections that have the high reported incidence of accidents related to red light running, but instead find there way to the intersection that are considered to gather the most money. There is a formula that is takes a myriad of variable about a intersection and calculates how long the yellow light is supposed to be. It many causes the red lights are installed in intersections that were already 1-2 seconds too fast on yellow light transitions.

The number of rear end collisions from people slamming on their brakes at the last second goes up.

The proponents of these systems will cherry pick statistics that show how traffic accidents related to red light infractions go down but often these results are no where near intersection that had red light cameras. This suggests that these are just normal variations in the odds of traffic accidents going up an down. They twist the logic however make it seem like just the spill over effect from people thinking there is a camera somewhere which encouraged the positive results.

Heftyjo

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I left the UK 15 yrs ago, just before Big Brother moved in there and started putting everyone on camera. I left the USA 3 yrs ago and now Uncle Sam seems intent on the same program. THANK JEBUS that the wise but incomprehensible Italian ""government"" has limited interest in this kind of abuse of its populace. I am heading to Croatia or the Greek islands the minute the camera creep begins here. Meanwhile I rely on these guys to keep me protected and safe from soul-stealers around europe: [www.scdb.info]

Da5idRicardo

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I also and absolutely do not condone running red lights but there has to be a human evaluating the infraction.

And I do NOT support traffic controls that do not primarly promote safety, e.g., hidden speed cameras/traps, red light cameras, etc. How do these promote safety for the folks who don't frequent the area?

I am a proponent of alternate methods of control & and, in many situations (i.e., not "all"), there are better ways of controlling traffic, e.g., roundabout, which *are* working everywhere I've noted them.

Snapping some quick shots here:
@lascauxcaveman: Under wraps like everyone else, there, Britney.

@pigdog: 'Zactly. Was going to say similar but can not state any better than the Pigdog did, digg, dawg?

@Garebear: Re: #3) Or oil?

SeanKHotay

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> ILLEGAL!!!

superbmtsub

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Rishi: The bigger constitutional issue that the courts have ignored is it denies you the right to confront your accuser.

@Hookey: Because roundabouts don't work, at least every place I've driven them.

My issue is that it's not the red lights, despite the decreases in yellow light times, the presumption of guilt, the enrichment of private industry under the aegis of government, or the increased rear end accidents. My problems are with other drivers unable or unwilling to follow the traffic laws. There is nothing more I enjoy than trying to avoid two or three accidents a day.

Major-General

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I fully support red-light cameras - we've had them in Australia for maybe 20 years or more.

Activation is the key, and the offence notices come with Red+1/Red+2 photographs, and all camera positions have a 4 second yellow, with 5 seconds for 70 km/h (43 mph) roads, and 6 seconds for 80 km/h (50 mph) roads. As far as I know, there are no traffic lights on 90 or 100 km/h roads.

I hate Constable Kodak as much as the next punter, but ferchrissakes, going through a red light with five seconds' warning (all up) is sheer criminal negligence. Five seconds is 54 metres at 60 km/h (37 mph), and an easy task for even a 1984 Toyota LandCruiser, in the wet, by a 36% margin. "Normal" motor vehicles can stop in well less than 50% of the distance, in the wet.

I always look before crossing on a green, but many, many people are not trained to do so. Including my wife driving the kids around, so I have no time at all for red-light runners.

Speed cameras - to hell with them, and all who sail in them.

Unfortunately, the red light cameras are the thin edge of the wedge....

CasterOil

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I don't like the idea. There are times when it's safer to hit it on the yellow and go through, rather than jam on your brakes..particularly when the roads are icy and even a normal stop would be risky. I also object to inanimate objects being able to give you violations for a number of reasons.

That being said, something needs to be done. I saw a light turn red at a major intersection the other day..and I mean..a good solid red for at least a couple of seconds...and about 7 cars came through the intersection after the light had turned red. There are many, many times when I figure I've just squeaked through on a stale yellow and I look in my mirror, and the 3 people behind me are also coming through!

I'm also a big fan of the "3 strikes and you're out" rule. There are clearly people who have complete disregard for traffic laws and intentionally run red lights on a regular basis, while others get caught on the occasional stale yellow and gun it to get through.

☠Gяяяяяяя! I want to sing the doom song now!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> If you're going too fast to stop at the light once it turns yellow, you're speeding. Slow down enough so you can stop. If your car can't stop fast enough, you need to fix it, stop driving it, or drive slow enough so it can.

Running red lights is very, very dangerous. Redlight cameras are insidious, but as long as the driver's face is visible in the photos, I'm not any more upset about them than I am about a hundred other minor governmental idiocies. It's a low-level irritant.

The tickets are fair. It's a safe way to issue them. It's rational, without targeting or bias at all.

Overall, I think they are better than most government programs. I'll also break with the norm here and say if it's a private/public partnership then it's possibly even better: no public investment in the infrastructure needed. Privacy is a concern, though... so I could be off-base there.

dculberson

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @trunk666: Word

Jonny Lieberman

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> FUCK THE POLICE COMIN STRAIGHT FROM THA UNDAGROUND!

N.W.A.

trunk666

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Eh? Are red lights somehow different in the USA? Here, you run a red light, you're an asshole endangering others. There's no reason to do it unless you feel that you're too good to wait.
Some guy in a range rover nearly killed me yesterday doing exactly that.

hairykrishna

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Hello_Newman:

Intersections can be safer, and offenders should be held responsible. However, the machines are DEFINITELY cash cows. Yellow timings are set way too low, and because the photo evidence kills due process and shifts the burden of proof to the defendant, most people who get snapped (wrongly or rightly) have no legal recourse and pay up. The cameras are usually installed and paid for mostly by the camera companies who operate them, and a cut of every ticket goes to them in "return" for this. It's extremely lucrative for them and the local government.

number9ine

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Murilee Martin:
Murilee, I know those cameras on Mission well, I used to live off folsom between 8th and 9th. The yellow timing on them is something ridiculous like 2 seconds. Hell, I think it takes a full second for the yellow gumdrop just to warm up to full power. :)

The idea of the cameras as a deterrent is certainly a powerful one, but the magnitude of incentive is far greater than the magnitude of infraction.

The cameras are obviously cash cows for private enterprise and government. So, here's a solution. Rip out cameras. Then, at every red light, make the yellow timing 5 seconds (take the extra few seconds out of green time), then include a 2-3 second delay between red on one road and green on the other. That might reduce infractions to only the people who flagrantly WANT to run a red light. Then, for the half-dozen intersections in the city that see frequent accidents, post an officer on rotation for 3 months or so and ticket the assholes running red at twice the limit more than a second after red. That solves the safety problem, and reduces the incentive for city officials to use automated taxing machines in every part of our lives at the expense of due process.

number9ine

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> speed cameras BAD! Red light cameras bad too! But jumping red lights is dangerous, speeding on an empty road is not!

ecobore

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Make all traffic offenses non-punishable except if you cause an accident while violating one. In which case, jack up the fine. Way up.

Ethan Allison

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> look, if running a red light doesnt cause an accident, big f'in deal, who cares, let em go. Some times its just a 0.25 error in judgement.

Cameras to watch every person do it, thats a crime.

Cut it out big brother. Only use them in the case to prove whos at fault in an accident.

danio3834

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> With so many people running red lights here in LA, we absolutely need the cameras. To answer the other Angelenos question, here's how I make left turns: As someone is bearing down on the yellow about to be red lit intersection that you'd like to turn at give it just enough gas so the car lurches a little and the other driver thinks you're going for it. They USUALLY change their minds about running the light. Of course it helps that I drive the deathmobile (burnt paint green 1991 undercover highway cop Crown Vic). I say usually b/c just yesterday some idiot in a POS 90s Mercedes that he thought made him the man kept on going and then literally screamed at me as he drove past "it's a fucking yellow light". No, it WAS a yellow light. God I wish the lit cigarette that I flicked at his open window hadn't missed it's mark by an inch.

ltd

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I do not condone running a red light. I also object to red light cameras. I have driven for years with my front plate in the trunk. When I get pulled over for not having a front plate, I show it to the cop and tell him I'm on my way to Pep Boys to buy new bolts. I always get a pass.

bifloman

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Oops. I meant that in case i accidentally get ticketed, they can't prove who's driving.

zbg8000

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> We had these briefly in VA but supposedly they were canned--it seems they should certainly have a bit of delay in tripping yellow to red. But as for those fecks who flat out run it, I think a big grappling hook with an electromagnet should swoop down, snag them, shake them like a Polaroid and then toss them into the ditch. When I'm up in No. VA, I am astounded at the light runners--local news sets up camera crews and sometimes also clocks speed. You'll see short buses barrel 20 mph over the limit through a long red light.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> The time of ticketing speed violations by camera is already upon us. Here in Portland, OR they have Ford Econolines stuffed with radar and cameras. They then just park the van on a street and start the $$$ collecting. They leave them on roads with multiple lanes in one direction, and I always wonder whether the douche next to me (inevitably on a cellphone) is going to trigger the camera and I possibly will get a fine. I mean how does the camera decide the car slightly behind on my right side is the quicker moving car? Either way if you come to Portland ever, watch your ass since this city has seen fit to install speed cameras, red light cameras, and we have police officers who "assess" speed by pacing (a legal method in oregon) you in unmarked cars(not crown vics either, mustangs in my experience) but try to bait people into speeding up by tailgating, I don't condone speeding, but none of these tactics seem to be increasing traffic safety, but then again that's not the point anymore. Of course the best thing to do when traversing any intersection with a camera cop is to flip the camera the bird, and do so from an angle that blocks your face also, so they can't prove who the driver is. Please leave your other hand firmly on the steering wheel. I do this even though i'm not breaking the law, as added insurance that I don't accidentally get ticketed.

zbg8000

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Heep: Could not have said it better.

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Rust-MyEnemy:

Who'd have thought Jeremy Clarkson likes Baby Ruth's?

SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Well guys and gals, its all about the money. Look its all profit, they don't even need a cop to write the damn ticket. Money money money!

Pistonhead75163

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I've been in two major car accidents and one bad motorcycle one, I'll spare the details except all three times it was the other drivers fault.

I don't care if it's a cop with 20 years on the force, or a camera stopping jackasses from running red lights. Let them get the ticket either way, they have it coming. If someone is willing to risk lives over 2 minutes of their precious time then they can get the ticket and stop whining.

Also those camera rigs are no cash machines, it costs plenty to install and operate them, they've be lucky to get their money back out of it within 10 years. It only covers one intersection. I'd rather know the cops are out doing more important things in any case.

Hello_Newman

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> There's something I've always wanted to know about speed cameras, Say someone did something funny and the camera caught it, would said footage be eligible for "America's Funniest Home Videos"?

gadgetfanatic

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I have no major issue with red light cameras, provided they're enforced correctly. However, I prefer a more Top Gear-esque solution - public humiliation of anyone stupid* or self-centred enough to do it (especially if they end up blocking the intersection or make me miss my advanced left turn).

*Full disclosure, I can say this having been stupid enough to accidentally run a red. And karma got me, leaving my car t-boned and written off, and my insurance rates even worse than they'd be for a normal 21 year old male.

Maymar is convinced M.C. Escher engineered his car

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> 100% Evil

Jake

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @FreeMan: 1) Here in LA, with the worst traffic in the US, most of our freeways are 2-3 lanes each direction. We're so clusterfucked on top of each other, there's no room for left turn lanes, let alone roundabouts. And the thought of navigating a roundabout in Monterey Park would make my head explode. (What? Just sayin.)

2) I wish I could have taken SSL (Spanish as a Second Language) in school, life would be so much easier. Huh? They just call that "Spanish"?

3) Canada can keep their sovereignty. Until we run out of wood.

Garebear

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @SpeedWagon:I like the way you think.

gadgetfanatic

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I think the point of "if they can't photo my face they can't prove it's me" is a bit ridiculous. Sure, you didn't run the red, but it's your car. You're legally responsible for it, and nobody should be driving it without your permission. By granting them permission, you're making their incompetence your problem - at the very least, make your idiot friend pay the ticket.

That being said, I don't like red-light cams on principle. However, I really wish I could think of a better solution - I don't know how many times I've been staring at a green light and had three or four people still making lefts in front of me.

Slightly diverging (as we all seem to be doing) to the topic of speed cameras: I refuse to live anywhere where there are speed cameras. Anyone who's been in a high-performance car knows that 65mph can feel very different from car to car. It seems unfair that the soccer-mom on the phone in her h3 can legally go the same speed as an focused driver with two hands on the wheel of a sports car. Yet, going the same speed, I'll get the ticket because my car is capable of going much faster.

clank-o-tron

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Tanshanomi: Well, they have to spend all that red-light camera money somehow...

Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> If red light cameras actually did what they say they do "deter people from running red lights" then a few years after being installed revenue should go down. But of course it doesn't because they're money stealing shit.

Benson2175

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @jonnylieberman:
Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.

osnofla

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Uncle_Bo:
That is probably why you are public enemy number one, one, one, one, one. Were you driving your ninety-eight at the time?

@ViergangFuchs:
So-phisticated.

Al Navarro

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I recently did the "traffic school" thing for speeding and more than half of the people in my class were there for the red light camera. This class was an all day 8 hour deal and I would say almost half of it was down to explaining how the various red light cameras work in Orange County. It was surprisingly educational, yet I can now recall none of it except for the fact once over the "limit line" (the line across the intersection or crosswalk)the camera considers it an infraction and snaps a picture. It's then up to the folks looking at the pics to decide if you get relieved of money or not. Now, I, like several commenters here, am behind the concept of this device, but the application leaves so very much to be desired.
Speed cameras scare the hell out of me and smack of revenue generation pure and simple.

evoCS is possibly NSFW

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Uncle_Bo: I hated when the put the cameras in Atlanta. When I lived in Sandy Springs, there was this one intersection (with a camera) where you had to wait until the red to turn. I told them how i felt with a big middle finger. I was surprised that I didn't ever get a ticket.

@DaveTheBrave: We have a bunch of roundabouts in Boston. I was actually hit by some old guy last may in one. He made a sudden right exit from the left land and plowed me off of my scooter. Also, just the other day, a big gas truck was speeding through a roundabout and tipped over. The gas leaked out and caught a couple multifamily homes on fire. The gas also ran down the gutter, on fire, setting a row of cars ablaze as it went down the road.

In short, i hate speed cameras and people who drive like idiots. They spoil everything.

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I am fine with redlight cameras, speed camera's I've got a big problem with.

BMan1113VR

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Rust-MyEnemy: Remind me to scratch "Live in Great Britain" off my life list. But the grass isn't any greener over here. First of all, I'd take a Kinder Bueno over a Baby Ruth anyday, and Wendy's sucks.

But the worst part is our horribly wasteful, bloated, nonsensical government. First they spend $425 billion (in 2006 dollars) and 35 years on Interstate Highways, in order to get people off those slow, dangerous, inefficient back roads. Then the create the Scenic Byways program to convince people to get off the Interstates and back onto those slow, dangerous inefficient back roads. The icing on the cake is that there is a part of the commuter loop around Kansas City that gets double-funded as both an Interstate highway AND a Scenic Byway, despite being neither scenic nor a byway.

Our solution? Go build more new highways, this time in Afghanistan and Iraq, because the current roads are being mined, because we showed up in the first place. Makes sense to me.

Tanshanomi

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @GizFanAlpha: Or if the ticket they mailed you, had a built-in Taser!

SpeedWagon - Now in Classic view!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I don't have a problem with the cops catching people going through red lights, since that is much more dangerous than speeding. I do have a problem with over-enforcement and big fines. If I got the ticket, I would take it to traffic court. $371 is way too much, and unless they have a picture of your face in the car, they can't really prove who it was driving.

Also, I would much rather have some human being pull me over and write me a ticket than have some soulless machine mail me a fine.

discontinuuity

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I think it's been proven that the cameras do nothing to make intersections safer, but they are rather useful for pulling in revenue for The Man.

The police are supposed to be paid by our tax dollars to keep us safe, not to obtain more revenue for The Government. Nowadays, they are no better than the Sheriff of Nottingham...not protectors, but collectors! Where is Robin Hood when you need him?

slackinfux

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> If there's a long yellow, sure, in theory. However, fuck 'em until the government, not a private company, is in control. (Feels weird to say that, but it's true.)

Fuck speed cameras, too, especially the way the UK implements them.

In addition, this is always a good solution.

FuzzyPlushroom

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Wait a minute. DID you actually run a red light?

If you did, you just got caught. No difference between a camera and squad car, eh?

If not, you have a beef. It's tough to cross-examine a camera.

Tanshanomi

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @SpeedWagon:Here's a scary thought, what if they found a way to do THAT with a speed camera too. I mean, remotely tasering someone. Now that's scary.

gadgetfanatic

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @TrackpediaCow: I agree. Don't make it a hassle for me because I lend a friend/family member a car and they proceed paparazzi in from of every red light camera. Although one could argue the same for parking tickets too.

crustyjoe

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> If you hate to pay taxes in an upfront sort of way (ex. a few % of your income), then the government will find other ways of generating the revenue from the populace it needs to provide services that people demand. Hence, speed and red light cameras, and the use of such to generate revenue instead of enhance public safety.

Truly, we get the government we deserve.

saabophile2

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Beats being tasered!

SpeedWagon - Now in Classic view!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @POLAR: @mwood10: I'm on it, and it feels GOOD!

'Ta, chaps. When I do get over there you'll easily recognise me... I'm the one stuck in customs at La Guardia for the rest of my life.

Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Not enough of the comments are properly referencing "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos". Of course, I suspect most of you are young enough to regard Chuck and Flav as oldies-station material right along with Sam Cooke and "the elder Bach".

Cold sweatin as I dwell in my cell - how long has it been - they got me sittin in the state pen.

Unfortunately, the guards in American prisons do not carry firearms. So the next time you catch a CO falling asleep on Death Row, you won't be able to grab his gun and make him do what you say, yo.

ViergangFuchs

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> it seems as if most agree with them to a certain degree on principle but object to the use of them to force a ticket where it may not be strictly warranted otherwise(i.e. shortening yellows). when the profit motive enters the picture we need to beware as the ethical playing field tilts way out of our favor.
i agree people shouldn't be running red lights, period. it's dangerous. but when the govt gets too dependent on revenue from tickets, they find ways to increase that revenue however possible.

harumph

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Al Navarro: When I lived up in the Detroit area I didn't have an issue with red lights. But in addition to having poor signage, lacking left-turn lights in intersections that need them and a failure to have decent roads, my new home of Columbia, SC fails to time their yellow lights in an even remotely consistent or appropriate fashion. There are several intersections where the yellow light isn't on for nearly long enough which does cause me to occaisionally run a light down here. It also contributes to Columbia having one of the highest accident rates in the country.

Rishi

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> all i can say is wow.

a PE and a Lebowski reference all in one short post.

that's why i'm here.

T-Comm

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Rust-MyEnemy: Don't get discouraged there big guy, I know how it feels when it comes crashing down and it hurts inside. So if you just cannot take it anymore, lock yourself in your lavatory, take a good long look in the mirror and say...

I am a real American,

Fight for the rights of every man,

I am a real American,

fight for what's right, fight for your life!

(guitar: nana na na na nana nana, nana na na na nana nana)

When it comes crashing down, and it hurts inside,
(guitar: nana na na na nana nana)
Ya' gotta take a stand, it don't help to hide,
(guitar: nana na na na nana nana)
Well, you hurt my friends, and you hurt my pride,

I gotta be a man; I can't let it slide,

I am a real American,

Fight for the rights of every man,

I am a real American, fight for what's right, fight for your life!

(guitar: nana na na na nana nana, nana na na na nana nana)

I feel strong about right and wrong,
(guitar: nana na na na nana nana)
And I don't take trouble for very long,
(guitar: nana na na na nana nana)
I got something deep inside of me, and courage is the thing that keeps us free,

I am a real American, Fight for the rights of every man,
I am a real American, fight for what's right, fight for your life!
(guitar: nana na na na nana nana, nana na na na nana nana)
Well you hurt my friends, and you hurt my pride,
I gotta be a man; I can't let it slide,

I am a real American, Fight for the rights of every man,

I am a real American, fight for what's right, fight for your life!

I love you man, America loves you!

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @FreeMan: Have you seen the way people drive in SC?

DuraAce

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Rust-MyEnemy:
Our kids are too scared of getting sued to slap anybody.
I don't have a garage.
Our parking lots can accomodate a full-size car, unfortunately everyone drives SUVs twice the size of the space.
We don't have real bacon.
Or sausages
Or chocolate
The biggest house I can afford isn't even 2300SqFt.
Everyone tells me to have a nice day
A cab home costs $80
I can't find the TV remote, the cable remote, the DVD remote, the game controller, or the phone.

On the other hand, it's better than the UK.
(ex-pat)

mwood10

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @1300ccsoffury: you're not familiar with that yellow light that comes between green and red?

camp6ell

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @FreeMan: lemme see here...
[www.autoblog.com]
Here's some gubmint numbers, so you know they're good: [www.tfhrc.gov]
And this'll round out the collection [www.thenewspaper.com]

[NB: googled for "red light camera increase accident" and got lots o' results]

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> The City of St. Louis recently installed a red light camera at the intersection just down the block from my girlfriend's apartment. At night you can see the flashes through her window. I spend a lot of time listening for thunder.

thesubstitute

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Not only are these cameras a total crock,(the company running them doesn't just get a *cut*, they actually get *most* of the revenue) but many municipalities use very shady "nomination" tickets that try to trick you into turning yourself in by mimicking an actualy traffic camera ticket. (See
[www.highwayrobbery.net] for an embarassment of detail.) That's right, Emeryville, I'm looking at *you*.

anaxomander

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I want to live in America.

You guys rock.

I want to live somewhere were nobody takes any crap.

I'm fed up.

My car cost $132 to fill up today.

Our kids run around slapping people and taking photos.

We don't get weather, we get drizzle.

We have "Gas Guzzler tax", but it's on cars above 1400cc.

Our 2 Car garages, aren't.

Our medians are 6' accross.

Our carparks can only accommodate Ford Fiestas.

There are no branches of Wendys.

We don't have Baby Ruth bars, or Mountain Dew.

Or Lucky Charms.

Having a bad attitude and not learning at school is "in"

But the teachers have given up trying.

None of the houses in our neighborhood has a pool.

We live in an affluent area, but the biggest houses are 2300SqFt

Nobody tells us to have a nice day.

A Cab home costs £20.

And I can't find the TV remote.

I'm fed up.

Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> This is just another reason for the 2nd amendment. Viva la revolution!

Hamslamm

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Rather like speed limits, I hate these things only slightly less than the people who employ them...

bruxell

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> If there is evidence that they decrease accident rates, then they are OK. If this evidence exists, I haven't seen it.

Andrewpetty

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @FreeMan: BTW- Back on topic, there was a study (or two) out of SC, I believe, that indicated that there was a significant increase in rear-end collisions at intersections where cameras were installed. I think we can all figure out why...

I'll see if I can dig up a reference...

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> ...I only support redlight cameras IF you also mandate yellows be 3+ seconds long; IF you can't see the light from 1000 feet back make the yellow even longer; IF you mandate that driver face has be seen in the picture; IF the city, county etc. owns the cameras outright; IF your private info is only handled by city, county employees; IF only the revenue goes into a state general fund....
That said....while it does increase rear end wrecks it does cut down (a lot!) of the highspeed, t-bone wreck stuff.

LandofID

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Vintage Racer: COTD

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Hookey: Roundabouts would be a good idea if anyone in the US actually knew the correct way to traverse them. The put a too small one in in my mid-size Michigan town a few years back and the locals are still mighty confused.

ĎāvĕΓħëβЯĂvė

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @TampaRon: For the record, I totally support the concept of red light cameras, if they are installed in combination with an extended yellow that will allow law abiding drivers to stop in plenty of time and just catch the a-holes.

The way red-light cameras are installed at the moment is nothing short of entrapment. They deliberately set conditions to make it harder to avoid running the red light. It's the same as putting a speed trap at the bottom of the hill right after an unexpected 20 mph drop in the speed limit. It's entrapment and it should be illegal.

mwood10

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Garebear: I wouldn't put too much down on those three things not happening...

1) We're starting to get quite a few roundabouts here in central IN (and, now that people have started to figure them out, they do seem to work pretty swell).

2) Have you looked at any products on any store shelf in the last year? Everything's labeled in English & Spanish. Even the stinking doors are labeled in Spanish now, too!

3) As for Canadian sovereignty, I say let 'em keep it. I grew up in Idaho, and it's cold enough there. If you want colder, go to Point Barrow, AK, skip the visa, and be done with it.

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> In Minnesota they had implemented them, but the state supreme court declared that they were unconstitutional since they could not prove that the owner of the vehicle was the person who was in fact driving the vehicle. It's that pesky 'innocent until proven guilty' thing again.

asujosh1

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Al Navarro: Good point, Al. In Chicago if you ever want to turn left. You have to poke out in the intersection and turn when oncoming traffic stops on the yellow or red. By the way, that is also legal.

As far as traffic cameras in general, I have four words: Big Floppy Donkey Dick.

wookie1901

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Camera's in the red light districts?? That's gonna hurt the trade. Gotta start wearing a disguise - oh.... never mind....

Vintage Racer is out taking pictures

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> This one is a horrible dilemma for me- I work South of Market in San Francisco, where I've almost been killed countless times by red-light runners (and I don't mean the distracted-by-cellphone type, I mean the I-don't-stop-for-lights type) while crossing streets on foot. The intersections on Mission with the red-light cameras are so fucking much safer now that, much as I fear Big Brother, I choose to cross at the intersections with the cameras.

Murilee Martin

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I'm not in favor of the cams, but I will say this: Where I live, there's an unwritten rule: "If the guy in front of me can get through the yellow light, so can I!" This has caused me to miss a left-turn light countless times. Oh, oh how I wish those drivers would get nabbed.

mobilene

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Speed cameras are an abomination. I'm a bit more inclined to support red light cameras due to the danger to others (cross-street traffice, pedestrians) involved in running a red light. But the lawyer in me thinks this has to be illegal. If the camera was from overhead and the cops could play a video in court that shows your car not yet in the intersection as the light goes red, fine. But the speed camera + no real recourse = how do we know it worked correctly? I'd like to think our justice system would at least require the same burden of proof as the NFL instant replay rule: indisputable video evidence.

Oh yeah, and get some municipal judges who aren't just patsys for the police.

dearyou

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Get t-boned by a soccer mom in a Yukon yapping on her cell phone trying to get "home to the kids" and you will be in support of them. I know first hand and I support red light cameras 110%. If it stops just one accident then it's worth it. Period.

All of you bitchin about them...maybe you should not run red lights, then you don't have to worry about it.

TampaRon

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Wait, no amphibious mammals inside city limits?
Oh crap, I know how to swim.

Yurikaze

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I'll call it what it is; vendor outsourced automated policing. There's no human element, therefore no subjectivity.

Geekily enough, I think Jean-Luc Picard expressed it best when he said, "Where laws are absolute, there can be no justice". Without the human element, it's just cash collection.

pigdog

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> A few years ago I got a letter from the government. I opened it and read it but it didn't say they were suckers. They didn't want me for The Army or whatever. Instead, they wanted $94.50 for running a red light at the intersection of Cobb Pkwy and Windy Hill Rd.

Picture me givin' a damn! Well, they did as they had nice color pics of my truck blatantly running the red. Did it occur to me the suckers had authority? What does it matter..... they had me and I paid the fine.

I didn't get a raw deal. I ain't lookin for the steel. I'm just lookin for cameras at every intersection.

Uncle Bo, averting foreclosure

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @jonnylieberman: Obviously you're not a red light runner.

LTDScott, Porcubimmer pilot

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @osnofla: 8-year-olds, Dude.

Jonny Lieberman

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Well, personally, and based on UK driving conditions....

Speed cameras on safe, wide, fast roads are disgusting, an infringement of our civil liberties and an indictment of a police state, where we are not allowed to be trusted to make our own judgement. So, for the record, I am vehemently against speed cameras outside areas with pedestrians.

Red light cameras. In the UK, where most sets of traffic lights have a busy pedestrian crossing, and where red light jumpers in London and other built up areas seriously fuck it up for the rest of us, I am in favour of. In the UK, going through a red light is, 90% of the time, ridiculously unsafe. Failing to stop at a red light is, in my view, way more antisocial than speeding.

In the US I would probably say no way. In the UK, to be honest I think we need them.

But revenue-generation cameras where 100mph is safe all day long?

Eat shit.

Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @sandy the dragon:
Wow, I just noticed your name! Excellent choice, Mr. Wong.

Al Navarro

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Running red lights is illegal and dangerous, but if you live in L.A. or whatever where there is no left-turn signals or left-turn lanes, and with a humongous traffic, you HAVE to turn on orange-to-red lights, or you will sit in traffic till forvever. So that's why I say it crop of shit to have those cameras. If you run thru a red light without turning, therefore no reason to run a red light besides the fact that you're risking other people's lives, maybe you need to slow down.

akirachan

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @sandy the dragon: Preach it, brother Dragon. Alledgedly, we're getting left turn arrows at 45 intersections by next June under what Mayor Villaraigosa is calling the "Right to Turn Left Initiative." If I remember correctly, most will be in the Valley, and ten or so will be on the Westside. Cost is projected to be $3 million.

Wait, what was the question? Oh yeah, red light cameras...until it can be demonstrated that they're more than just ATMs for government and the camera manufacturers, I say screw 'em.

PatFromGundo

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @TrackpediaCow: And....twins? What about twins? Automatically guilty, or do you get a free pass if you've got a twin?

beercheck

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @Hookey: The odds of the States installing roundabouts en masse are about the same as us adopting Spanish as the national language or allowing Canada to retain its sovereignty.

Garebear

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> It's a proven fact that they cause MORE accidents, totasl bs, allot about the $$$$$. Like Serj from System said "the bottom line is $$, nobody gives a fuck" It's just gonna get worse with all of the 9/11 paranoia.

ujointclothing

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @sandy the dragon:
That's not running the red-in NYC we have some intersections with red light cameras too, and they don't go off if you're already in the intersection waiting to be able to make a left.

The cameras are just there to stop you from just going through an actual red-not if you're already sitting inside the intersection and waiting to turn-that'd just be silly.

That said, if the yellows have been shortened just for revenue generation that's uncool. But where I drive nowadays idiots constantly ignore the red light and make left turns on red (like an actual left turn on red where you're not already in the intersection), or just straight up run red lights. It's obnoxious enough when you're behind them, let alone when you have the green and some jackass does a turn on their red.

tekdemon

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> The cameras are fine if they photograph the face of the person driving, and you prosecute based on that. Tickets based off the plate alone are unconstitutional since the car's owner isn't necessarily the driver.

TrackpediaCow

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Nice Marmot

Teds

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I know I'm going to catch hell for this, but...

Isn't running a red light illegal? Isn't it potentially very dangerous (inviting the dreaded t bone)?

Being against getting a ticket/fine for going through a red is like getting pissed at getting caught for speeding. You saw the limit, you chose to exceed it, if you get caught, whose fault is that?

---

That said, I do have a problem with the cams. Because there are more than a few grey areas. For example, what if you're doing one of those "there's no way I can make this left turn safely unless I nose out and go when the light turns red and the oncoming traffic has stopped or at least slowed down." Then you're actually doing the safe thing going through on orange or even red light.

And of course, there are a whole range of shades of orange.

Al Navarro

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> this is tough. on one hand i despise the big brother aspect but i also live in a city where traffic laws are just suggestions. people here engage in some of the most flagrantly dangerous and uncourteous shit that i'd like to believe some of these a-holes are getting $400 tickets in the mail regularly.
the big brother aspect would probably tilt me away from them as would the kickback to the companies installing them. if we could just find a way to do away with the a-holes...

harumph

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I think you need them. On my various trips to the States, the red light lottery was the worst thing about driving (LA in particular), especially given your reluctance to embrace the roundabout. As said above, you have to set them properly (you have to be pretty blatant to get flashed by a camera in the UK), but they do work. On the other hand, its a slippery slope towards speed cameras.

Welcome to our world.

Signed, A. Yurrupean.

Hookey

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> What are you, a fucking park ranger now?

osnofla

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> how does one make a left turn in LA without running a red light?

leberkäs

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I've got no experience with these (yet), though I have seen a couple around here. I just know I would want to get at one with a rifle and/or baseball bat if it got me for going through a light I just know I wouldn't have been able to stop for (sorry, a 15 year old Escort wagon loaded up with camping gear will not slow from 55 to 0 in 4 seconds).

MagicalTrevor

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I'm technically not opposed to red-light cameras; I just truly do not like how they are used as many above have already stated. My gripe is with the government punishing the owner of the car regardless of whether or not he/she was driving, fifth amendment and all, as Rishi said.

Speed cameras are a whole 'nother story. Speeding only creates problems arguably, there's no definite proof. But then I guess my gripe is with speed limits in general, not necessarily the cameras.

skaz

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I don't see the issue. Running a red light is not acceptable. Ever. People that complain about getting one of these tickets complain about the principle, but rarely will you hear them deny running the light.

Start installing speed cameras, however, and I will bust out my pocket constitution and march on Capitol Hill.

Garebear

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I try not to think of them at all! I forget what country it is, but they have a more sensible solution, remove the delay from when say for example east/west turns red, the north/south lights immediately turn green. So if you're gonna run that red you better hope there isn't some gearbox in a pu**y magnet Supra waiting for the green!

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @lascauxcaveman:
[imagecache2.allposters.com]

Back on topic...it's not cool to run red lights. And by run red lights I mean really run them, not miss the yellow by 0.750 seconds. Those who habitually run red lights per the previous definition should be convinced to stop, and $371 might make some progress towards that end.

But there are 2 serious problems with RLCs.

The first is that we don't know what the tolerance on them is. If I miss the yellow by a fraction of a second, will I get nabbed? Dunno.

The second is the slippery slope/foot-in-the-door debate about privacy in public spaces, government surveillance and security. I sure as hell don't want speed cameras, but those are a logical (illogical?) next step from here.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Red Light cameras should be shot.

Oh wait, someone did :)

jakay11

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I think they can suck my big fat fucking sausage!

snep

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Red light cameras = good

[flame suit...on!]

Say what you want about Big Brother, but I think that the most ignorant and dangerous thing that a driver can do is run red lights. Now I would exempt those who find themselves in a situation where jamming on the breaks for a red light would result in a dangerous situation, and in that case drivers should be allowed to throw the challenge flag.

Now speeding cameras...leave those in the UK. That's pure gub'ment greed right there. A 50-cal bullet for each one!

1300ccsoffury

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> In principle, I don't have a problem with red light cameras and think they could be a good idea. The problem is that, as has already been mentioned, they are installed purely as a revenue generating scheme.

In fact, so keen are they to generate revenue, that the shorten the length of the yellow light to increase the number of offenders. Whereas, studies have shown that increasing the length of the yellow light dramatically reduces accidents.

I hold the same opinion for all traffic enforcement: if you are genuinely trying to improve safety, then good for you; if you are really trying to generate revenue, then do it openly, not under the guise of safety.

mwood10

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> In San Diego there was a big controversy about them a few years back. It was discovered that the length of the yellow light had been shortened, and that the company controlling the red light cameras were getting a cut from every ticket. Blatant revenue generation, but not just on the city's part.

The cameras were turned off for quite a while after that. In my opinion they should stay off.

At least it's not as bad a speed cameras.

LTDScott, Porcubimmer pilot

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> revenue enhancement device.

ĎāvĕΓħëβЯĂvė

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @beercheck: Hey, we're doing that in TN!

Red light cameras = handy scope-zeroing opportunities.

Elhigh

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> @goatrope: correct.

i imagine one day we'll all have cameras strapped to our nogins to catch us for every infraction.

Thought Crime!

danio3834

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> They are bunk - nothing more than a money generating machine. Red light running is a problem but I don't believe this is the solution.

Chrisb27

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> I have issues with this from a fifth-ammendment standpoint. How can they prove who was driving the car at the time? Also, what's your legal recourse? How can the city prove that the camera didn't go off by accident?
Obviously, I'm in favor of not running red lights, but I'm surprised that red-light cameras have stood up in court for this long, and, in general, I'm opposed to any moves towards living in a state constant government surveillance.

Rishi

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> They should be shot on sight.

beercheck

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> People shouldn't be running red lights.

That said, the cameras can go to hell.

Heep

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Great. Where am I going to keep my beaver?

lascauxcaveman

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Red light camera are installed solely to coolect money from people. They have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with taking your money.

goatrope

]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Think of Red Light Cameras?]]> Evil, I tell you, evil. Big brotha is watching you! Next thing you know they will tell you to shit in camera!

akirachan

]]>