THE ISSUE
More and more suburban towns are considering red-light cameras as a means to promote safer roadways.
OUR VIEW
This is a revenue grab over a very minor hazard. Studies show that red-light cameras may even be a cause of certain accidents.
SPEAK UP
Should members of the Illinois General Assembly vote to ban red-light cameras throughout the state? Tell us what you think of this by leaving a comment below. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a voice message at (630) 368-8882.
More people would support red-light cameras if they thought the devices improved road safety.
But it’s apparent that red-light cameras are just another method for municipalities to fill their coffers. After all, the majority of tickets stem from alleged violations that pose minimal hazards.
Last month, about 60 people attended a protest organized by a group called BanRedCams at the Lombard headquarters of RedSpeed-Illinois, a firm that contracts with many towns to install red-light cameras. The keynote speaker was state Sen. Dan Duffy, R-26th District, of Lake Barrington, who pre-filed legislation to ban such cameras statewide.
It’s too early to tell whether the Illinois General Assembly will pass the bill. But growing opposition to the devices is obvious, and towns must take note.
Recently, members of the Carol Stream Village Board found themselves defending their selection of a firm to install red-light cameras when residents highlighted a connection between former Police Chief Rick Willing and Redflex Traffic Systems, the company providing the cameras. Willing urged the board to enter into a contract with Redflex in 2007. He then took a job with the firm after retiring as police chief.
Studies show that most tickets from red-light cameras are issued to motorists who don’t come to a complete stop before making right-hand turns — among the lowest traffic hazards. Studies also have demonstrated that red-light cameras are increasing the number of rear-end crashes. Motorists approaching an intersection with a red-light camera often brake abruptly, and people driving behind don’t anticipate such a quick stop.
Rather than making our roadways safer, red-light cameras are having the opposite effect. Towns then get to pocket $100 per violation.
Is this what municipal leaders envisioned when they agreed to install the devices in their communities? Constituents deserve to know why they have to pay so much when public safety isn’t being served.
