Red-light cameras are supposed to prevent speeding through lights and car accidents, but according to a report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, some contracts between third parties providing the red-light cameras and police restrict the latter from lengthening the yellow signal.
Doing so would reduce accidents and be strongly in the public interest, say many proponents and safety experts, as drivers would not be apt to speed through the light or to slam on their the brakes in hopes of avoiding a red-light camera ticket.
Some photo-enforcement contracts require cities to share any revenue garnered from red-light tickets with the technology supplier. This means that the more tickets written, the more money the third-party camera provider gets, which is a strong incentive for a vendor contracting with a municipality to fight against extending the duration of yellow light signals. Many contracts provide for hefty fees if cities increase the yellow light.
The report states that the private traffic law enforcement industry "has amassed significant political clout that it uses to shape traffic safety nationwide." For example, it has been reported that camera vendors in Florida hired 40 lobbyists last year to kill a bill requiring municipalities to increase yellow light time.
If you receive a red-light camera ticket or were involved in an accident in which another driver's behavior was influenced by a red-light camera, contact an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney for answers and strong representation in your legal matter.
Source: USA Today, "Red-light traffic camera deals under scrutiny" Oct. 27, 2011
