Red light cameras are showing up everywhere. The cameras that are at intersections which are coordinated with the traffic lights to photograph the license plates that go through red lights or commit other violations (like rolling through a right turn on red).
Recent reports are that, after a few years since being introduced, revenues from the red light cameras are down and accidents are also down. It makes sense.
But certain government bodies may not be so happy that the red light cameras seem to be working. These bodies grew dependent upon the revenues from the fines generated by the red light cameras. Now they face fiscal shortfalls.
The attention on the revenue deficit makes me wonder whether the cameras were first installed for safety reasons or as revenue enhancements. (Consider that the companies that provide the cameras also share in the fine revenues and the issues get even more murky.)
I’ve paid my share of red light camera fines and I can't help but accept that I am a safer driver with the awareness of the new technology. The fines serve as a deterrent and, to my mind, that’s how it should be --- not that the government has a financial incentive to catch me.