Red Light Cameras: A Cash Cow Trap more than Safety Device

According the City website the Red-Light "Safety" Program is in place for the purposes of reducing red-light violations, crashes and injuries because it is "believed" that an automated red-light camera program reduces the number of red-light collisions and injuries associated with these crashes. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says it does.   However, the National Motorist Association says otherwise.  The National Mortorist Association was the organization that fought and succeeded in having the 55MPH National Speed Limit repealed. So who do you believe?   You be the judge though evidence is mounting that red-light cameras have become an alternative funding mechanism for cities like Homestead to pad their budgets.  So much so that lobbyist through the FDOT had the yellow light time shortened according to a recent article in Florida Today. Red light cameras generated more than $100 million in revenue in 2012 in approximately 70 Florida communities, with 52.5 percent of the revenue going to the state. The rest of the revenue is divided between the cities, counties, and the camera companies. In 2013, the cameras are on pace to generate $120 million.   

According to the Miami New Times, this past Wednesday, June 12th, Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation that forbids cities from ticketing drivers making a right-hand turn on red. The new rules Scott signed are part of a 226-page highway safety bill. As part of the new law, drivers can no longer be cited for a right turn on a red light as long as they stop, even if they stop past the line.  Scott also signed off on giving drivers 60 days to deal with a red-light ticket instead of the 30-day window most cities use.    Also, The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also announced this week that it's planning to lengthen yellow-light times.  As a result of the updated state law, Homestead followed suit and updated the local ordinance to comply accordingly as reported by the South Dade News Leader.

Reference Links:

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130515/NEWS01/130515020/Florida-quietly-shortens-yellow-lights-resulting-more-red-light-camera-tickets
http://southdadenewsleader.com/issue/south-dade-news-leader/article/florida-city-homestead-amend-traffic-light-ordinance

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2013/06/rick_scott_signs_bill_to_make.php