Get ready for Red Light Cameras

[Tru2Chevy]

A few articles I found on the topic:

Red-light violators in New Jersey could soon be caught on camera under legislation approved by legislators on Monday.

The legislation, which is now headed to Gov. Jon S. Corzine for enactment, authorizes a five-year pilot program that would allow municipalities to install cameras to monitor intersections with a high number of accidents or violations. Municipalities would have to apply for inclusion in the program and if accepted would be required to submit annual reports listing increases or decreases in accidents or violations at the intersections being monitored, bill sponsor Sen. Joseph Coniglio, D-Bergen, said.

"If we can save lives by encouraging people to stop at lights when they know a camera is recording their decision, this pilot program will be well worth it," Coniglio said. "This program is said to be working in other states, so we should see if it fits for New Jersey."

As the final hours tick away on the two-year legislative session in New Jersey, a legislative effort that could lead to red-light cameras popping up in the state was scheduled for consideration on the floors of both chambers Monday, Jan. 7.

Existing New Jersey law prohibits use of camera radar by law enforcement officers or agencies.

As amended, the Assembly and Senate versions of the bill would remove the restriction for a period of five years to allow municipalities to use photo enforcement at traffic signals. The transportation commissioner would decide in which communities it is appropriate to post the traffic cameras.

The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners’ vehicles and license plates. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time.

Supporters say the equipment encourages compliance with the law and saves lives by reducing collisions.

Assemblyman Joseph Coniglio, D-Paramus, said a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the cameras, combined with longer yellow lights, reduced red-light violations by 96 percent.

Opponents question the claim that cameras are solely intended to keep people safe. They also say the process denies alleged violators to confront their accusers.

“The motivation of every player in this deal is economics. Whether it’s the local jurisdiction or the manufacturer: That’s not reasonable justification for doing that,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

Others question the effectiveness of such intersection cameras, arguing they have the potential to distract drivers and cause more fender-bender accidents.

In fact, a study paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed rear-end crashes actually increased in cities with red-light cameras, as motorists stopped abruptly at yellow lights to avoid tickets.

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey drivers may soon be posing for unwanted portraits.

The Legislature on Monday voted to allow municipalities to install cameras to catch drivers disobeying traffic signals.

The bill needs Gov. Jon S. Corzine's signature to become law.

The Assembly voted 49-25 to approve the plan.

An initial Senate vote on the legislation fell short of the 21 votes needed to pass, but it passed 22-1 on a second vote.

Under the plan, violators would get tickets through the mail featuring high-resolution, color digital images of their vehicle driving through an intersection when the light is red.

While such cameras were rare just 10 years ago, they're now used in more than 300 U.S. communities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That includes major cities such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington.

Sen. Joseph Coniglio, the bill sponsor, contends the cameras would help improve driving safety.

"These cameras do save lives," said Coniglio, D-Bergen. "They do prevent accidents. They do save dollars."

Coniglio noted studies by the institute found that the cameras cut red light violations.

"Give it a chance," Coniglio said. "It will work."

But critics contend the cameras, among other things, deny alleged violators the right to confront an accuser in court. They also claim the cameras can lead to innocent drivers being charged and will do nothing to deter unsafe motorists.

"This nothing more than the generation of money for municipalities," said Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, who cited statistics that show the cameras can increase rear-end collisions. "This is not a public safety issue."

The AAA Clubs of New Jersey said a November poll showed 77 percent of 1,000 surveyed motorists supported cameras, but it also expressed concern about money and legal issues.

"We know from experience that this technology can work if it's improved safety we're after, not increased revenue," said David Weinstein, of the AAA Clubs of New Jersey. "Our concern with this specific legislation is that motorists get tagged with points but cannot face their accuser in a court of law."

The equipment isn't welcome everywhere.

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox declared use of red light and speed cameras to be illegal. And the Minnesota Supreme Court struck down red light cameras, ruling it was wrong for police to ticket the car owner, regardless of who was driving.

New Jersey's proposal would establish a five-year pilot program to test its effectiveness. The state transportation commissioner could let as many municipalities participate in the program as the commissioner deems appropriate.

The state assesses two points against a license for motorists who fail to obey a traffic signal and charges fines ranging from $85 to $140, but those caught running a red light by a camera wouldn't be assessed license points.

"This is wrong," said Assemblyman John Rooney, R-Bergen. "It's Big Brother watching you."

- Justin

[nj85z28]

good news for me, i work for a traffic signal/highway lighting electrical outfit.

this means steady work for a long, long time

[Ian]

Originally Posted by r0nin89

O god I can just imagine all the tickets for people still being in the intersection while trying to make a left and the shmucks in the oncoming lane running the yellow light and not letting those two guys turn before it hits read.


That was a long sentence....

thats a very good point. I know I get stuck like that at least a few times a month.

Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER

running red lights is illegal, 20 something other states already use redlight cameras(including PA and NY), and somehow this is some horrible thing cooked up jsut by our state government?

are you people serious?

get real guys, the more they enforce the law the better chance we have of our insurance actually going DOWN in this state. also, the extra source of revenue would mean one less tax hike excuse they have, another little thing our state is known for.

face it, not everything the government does means they are out to get you. if it is too much trouble to not run red lights, TAKE A BUS!!

Tim, you also have to take into account the two reactions this is gonna generate out on the road. one type of person is gonna slam on their brakes as soon as the light turns yellow. the other type of person is going to go full throttle to try to make it through before it changes to red. now imagine what happens when person 1 while being tailgated by person 2 and the light changes.

[amargari]

I have no problem with the cameras at the traffic lights if done in an honest manner. There are states that will install the cameras and then cut the time down for the yellow lights. Here is an article about them. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/200...834244_F.shtml

[Blacdout96]

Originally Posted by Ian

Tim, you also have to take into account the two reactions this is gonna generate out on the road. one type of person is gonna slam on their brakes as soon as the light turns yellow. the other type of person is going to go full throttle to try to make it through before it changes to red. now imagine what happens when person 1 while being tailgated by person 2 and the light changes.

Well thats their own fault for tailgating, they shouldnt of been doign that in the first place, hell they deserve to get into that accident for tailgating, and secondly, gunning it to try to get through a yellow light, also thats your own fault, unless you got someone dying in the back seat, theres no reason you should be trying to speed through and intersection, If your late for somethign or your trying to make it somewhere before it closes, well then you should of left earlier, and if you dont feel liek sitting there, well tough ****, thats life, deal with it.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Blacdout96

Well thats their own fault for tailgating, they shouldnt of been doign that in the first place, hell they deserve to get into that accident for tailgating, and secondly, gunning it to try to get through a yellow light, also thats your own fault, unless you got someone dying in the back seat, theres no reason you should be trying to speed through and intersection, If your late for somethign or your trying to make it somewhere before it closes, well then you should of left earlier, and if you dont feel liek sitting there, well tough ****, thats life, deal with it.

I take it you don't like tailgaters very much? why dont you tell us how you really feel?

my point is not that tailgating is dangerous, it is, but thats not the point. the point is that now people will be slamming on their brakes the second a light turns yellow. heck, even if you're not tailgating and you're just messing with the radio or something and you look up so see someone is almost stopped and you're doing 40, its bound to cause an accident.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Blacdout96

Well thats their own fault for tailgating, they shouldnt of been doign that in the first place, hell they deserve to get into that accident for tailgating, and secondly, gunning it to try to get through a yellow light, also thats your own fault, unless you got someone dying in the back seat, theres no reason you should be trying to speed through and intersection, If your late for somethign or your trying to make it somewhere before it closes, well then you should of left earlier, and if you dont feel liek sitting there, well tough ****, thats life, deal with it.

Oh please So you're never driving too close to someone right? So what's the proper distance you should be from the vehicle in front of you while doing 40mph? I'm sure you're never within that distance, especially during rush hour traffic that's all moving at a fast pace...

Originally Posted by Ian

the point is that now people will be slamming on their brakes the second a light turns yellow.

[Fast92RS]

But where does big brother stop. I heard of bill that someone was talking about putting Cameras along the parkway to catch speeders and send them tickets in the mail. That would suck.
But I do feel sorry for people that have to travel toll roads. They will see 50% increases and not just one but a few. They said If you drove end to end on the turnpike today it would cost you something like $6 in two years or so It will be up to like $20 and two years after that $44. That sucks. Offcourse not many people drive end to end to drive to work but the tolls start to add up.

[slugger27nj]

Originally Posted by Ian

Tim, you also have to take into account the two reactions this is gonna generate out on the road. one type of person is gonna slam on their brakes as soon as the light turns yellow. the other type of person is going to go full throttle to try to make it through before it changes to red. now imagine what happens when person 1 while being tailgated by person 2 and the light changes.

That's the big problem. It's been documented that many intersections that have these big brother cameras, the number of accidents has actually gone up since they've been installed.

[slugger27nj]

Originally Posted by amargari

I have no problem with the cameras at the traffic lights if done in an honest manner. There are states that will install the cameras and then cut the time down for the yellow lights. Here is an article about them. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/200...834244_F.shtml

That's the other big problem. This is NJ....nothing that has to do with govt in this state is honest. They will be rigged, and you can take that to the bank.

[V]

i wave to the camera on rt 59 in west nyack late at night as/if i go through it, lol, even when im stopped, i move up and i wave and make faces as the flash is going off just for fun in case it takes a pic i wanna know what the guy thinks when they reveiw the pics. no front plate now is a good thing. at least there they dont have shots from the rear yet. knock on wood

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by amargari

I have no problem with the cameras at the traffic lights if done in an honest manner. There are states that will install the cameras and then cut the time down for the yellow lights. Here is an article about them. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/200...834244_F.shtml

Short yellows cause accidents - bad ones.

[Fast92RS]

Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER

running red lights is illegal, 20 something other states already use redlight cameras(including PA and NY), and somehow this is some horrible thing cooked up jsut by our state government?

are you people serious?

get real guys, the more they enforce the law the better chance we have of our insurance actually going DOWN in this state. also, the extra source of revenue would mean one less tax hike excuse they have, another little thing our state is known for.

face it, not everything the government does means they are out to get you. if it is too much trouble to not run red lights, TAKE A BUS!!

Money maker = yes
Take the burden of tax payers = no
Cause all they will do with the money is line there pockets with it or spend it wastefully.
Alot of you dont like Corzine but he is faced with a tough task balancing our budget. The problem is NJ needs major reform. They need to consalidate and regonalize services.

[camaro2you]

Stuff like this is the reason ill be out of this state within the next five years.

[Blacdout96]

Originally Posted by Frosty

Oh please So you're never driving too close to someone right? So what's the proper distance you should be from the vehicle in front of you while doing 40mph? I'm sure you're never within that distance, especially during rush hour traffic that's all moving at a fast pace...

Listen here Frosted Flake, theres a difference between a guy about 3 car lenghts behind at 40, and someone who you cant even see their headlights. Tailgating can be opinionated in many forms of how close someone is till they are tailgating. If you hit someone, you were too close, if you have plenty of time to stop and not be within a dangerous level of collision, then you were within adequet distance. I dont tailgate like some jerkoffs around here, I like the way my front end looks on my car, and ask anyone who rides with me, or follows me, im slower then dirt. im not in a hurry to go anywhere and im not a smackhead like some people I know that bottom out in an applebee's parking lot.

[chemicalstylez]

Blah....another reason to dip in our pockets. I get stuck in the intersection making lefthands turns all the time when it hits red, i'll be damned if i have to pay a ticket for that crap. I think this is going to cause more drivers to be rear-ended in the long run. And the toll hikes are crazy, it already costs an insane amount on the AC expressway, by 2018 it'll cost a fortune!! And does this toll hike effect the bridges on the Delaware River? I know i didn't vote for Corzine, this guy is insane, and his insane politics just keep getting passed through somehow. With him around i wouldn't doubt our sales tax going up AGAIN, and he got rid of the death penalty, nothing but negative things from this retard.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Blacdout96

Listen here Frosted Flake, theres a difference between a guy about 3 car lenghts behind at 40, and someone who you cant even see their headlights. Tailgating can be opinionated in many forms of how close someone is till they are tailgating. If you hit someone, you were too close, if you have plenty of time to stop and not be within a dangerous level of collision, then you were within adequet distance. I dont tailgate like some jerkoffs around here, I like the way my front end looks on my car, and ask anyone who rides with me, or follows me, im slower then dirt. im not in a hurry to go anywhere and im not a smackhead like some people I know that bottom out in an applebee's parking lot.

No reason to get all bent out of shape, it was an honest question since you have that holier than thou attitude. If you want to be technical anything closer than what your driver's handbook given to you by the DMV would constitute tailgating. Is there a difference between 3 car lengths and barely being able to see the guys headlamps? Sure. The point is if you're two car lengths back at 40mph and some douche nozzle decides to slam on his brakes the second a light turns yellow you're going to be hard pressed to stop in time. All due to fear of big brother's cameras. Sorry but if a cop doesn't see it then how the hell can you get in trouble for it? They have some here in Philly, still BS IMO. I guess this country is heading towards what London has. There aren't many places in the city that aren't patrolled by cameras. Long live liberty and privacy

[shane27]

Originally Posted by camaro2you

Stuff like this is the reason ill be out of this state within the next five years.

me too hopefully

the red light camera thing dosent not boher me as much as the toll act thing does
apparently its going to cost 40 bucks to drive the lenth of the tpk? 40 bucks? that means i have to work 4 hours at work, plus another 2.5 hours to fill up my tank. so basically i have to work almost 7 hours to drive down the tpk.
are u serious.

[slugger27nj]

1 more aggravating tidbit about how this passed. This actually got put to a vote TWICE on the last day of lame duck. The first time it failed, but that wasn't good enough for those looking to profit from it. So they waited until a majority of those who voted against it went home, then put it to a vote again, and guess what...it passed. To me, that is certainly not a fair representation. These arrogant SOB's have such blatant contempt for the people of this Godforsaken state, it's not even funny. I hope they all rot in hell (and not just for this, but for every other way they stick it to us).

OK, enough ranting...have a nice day

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER

face it, not everything the government does means they are out to get you. if it is too much trouble to not run red lights, TAKE A BUS!!

I think this is the point of it all. If you cant obey the law then do not drive. It is not a right of Americans to drive, it is a privelage. In all honesty it should be much more difficult to get a license in the first place. I think if it cost as much in the US to get a license in many other places in the world we would not have so many problems on the road. I think everyone from the Lawrenceville area would agree that the test track that you take your driving test on is a complete joke. I failed the test the first time for hitting the curb while parking, WTF I didnt even hit the cones! Thats what a curb is for.

[BonzoHansen]

I got one of those tix once in Wash DC (speeding maybe). No points. Since they ticket the owner and not the driver I believe it has to be a non-moving violation, although I have not seen details regarding NJ, and with NJ all bets are off. Scum bags.

Corslime sounds like he is backing down on 440 tolls and considering discount programs on the other toll roads, according to the paper this morning. Typical, float the worst, then placate the squeaky wheels – hoping they are few & far between.