traffic cameras as enforcement

[javasaurus]

News item on WTOP today:

Apparently a lot of people are upset about red-light and speeding cameras. Personally, I don't see the problem -- don't run red lights, and don't speed, and you don't get fined. But people are making the claim that the cameras are overly invasive, somehow invading privacy. What privacy? You're on a public road, in a situation where if a cop was there, he wouldn't be invading your privacy by pulling you over, right? So why is the camera more invasive than a cop?

What really got me was the woman they interviewed who said (I paraphrase): There are some laws where if they don't catch you, it shouldn't be illegal.
Well, lady, you were caught.

Sigh...

I know there are issues regarding who gets the money from the fines, and some other issues regarding administration of the cameras. But I just don't get why people feel they have the right to break certain laws.

Comments

Re:

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

Yes, in the tickets I saw, the lights were clearly visible and clearly red.

As for yellow light times, there is a national standard. If you feel the light is short-timing the yellow, you should make a note of it and send the info to the local or state authorities. Chances are, however, that the light is not short-timed.

As for avoiding a rear-ender, you gotta make the call. If you think he's going to hit you, and you'd rather get the ticket than get rear-ended, then also get the a**hole's licence. If you receive a ticket, he'll probably also get one, and there will be a photo-record of how close he was behind you, and at what speed. But with a properly timed light, and if you are at a legal speed, you should be able to slow down safely, and so should the rear-ender.

[acroyear70.livejournal.com]

short-time is relative. yes, there's the NTSB's ratings, but then there's the local community (jersey lights are generally longer), and there's the history of the intersection.

sure, a yellow light can be shorter than it used to be and still be compliant, but shortening it is an effective way of trapping those who are used to the original light's length and catching more money in the initial months of the installation (all to make the camera "look good" when the police or council want to give a self-congradulatory "hey, look what we've done already" press statement).