Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Red Light Cameras...A Blessing or a Curse?

Red light cameras are spreading throughout the state, so it probably won't be long before we have them in Toms River. The cameras will produce both still pictures and video of drivers that go through an intersection when a light is red. Also note that, if you make a legal right-turn on red, you'd better come to a complete stop, or you may receive a ticket.

Brick is making a lot of money off of their cameras (it is $85 for a violation captured on a red light camera). It is undoubtedly good for the municipalities to get this money, and there is some evidence that the cameras help reduce accidents at intersections with the cameras.

However...there are some drawbacks. Camera angles can be misleading, and it is possible that you could be accused unjustly. You can fight the ticket, but it will be very difficult to prove that the evidence doesn't show an infraction -- note how the burden of proof is now on you to prove your innocence. And maybe you weren't even the driver -- the camera can't see who's driving, so the car owner will get the ticket in each case. Some people also object to the "big brother" aspect of all of this...we're being watched by more and more cameras everywhere we go.

We're being asked to trade some privacy and a bit of our protection under the law, in exchange for improved safety. Over time, we'll find out if this turns out to be a blessing....or a curse.