Brakes needed
More input needed on red-light cameras Last summer’s fears may become next summer’s reality if state lawmakers expand the use of red-light cameras.
Before they began their summer recess, state senators approved a bill that would allow Pittsburgh, Scranton and third-class cities, such as Altoona and Johnstown, to install cameras to record red-light violations and issue tickets to the vehicle’s owner.
That’s exactly what some area residents thought was about to happen in mid-2009 when a contractor for PennDOT began installing 26 cameras at Pleasant Valley Boulevard intersections. A flurry of e-mails were forwarded among area residents about the cameras.
Actually, the cameras at the intersections were designed to help control traffic lights and weren’t recording anything or being monitored. PennDOT does have cameras elsewhere that can be used to monitor traffic.
Currently, state law only permits red-light cameras for ticketing purposes at select Philadelphia intersections.
But that all could change if the House goes along with the Senate-passed measure, which would allow certain cities to install red-light enforcement cameras at an unlimited number of intersections, The Times-Tribune reports.
Money from the fines would be split between the participating municipality and the state police under the Senate bill that passed 49-1.
The money from fines could add up. There were 64 red-light cameras at 13 Philadelphia intersections resulted in 92,826 citations being issued last year and netted $3.9 million in fines.
For cash-strapped municipalities, that could make installing the cameras appealing. This also centers on the debate about whether the goal is to reduce accidents through better compliance or simply to generate revenue from fines.
While some may agree with the cameras for either purpose, that attitude could change the first time a citation comes in the mail.
Some House members said that they believe the Senate measure goes too far. State Rep. Rick Geist, R-Altoona, said he wants to exclude third-class cities being allowed to install red-light cameras.
It’s a good thing the House put the brakes on considering the red-light cameras rather than speed it to passage in the rush before the summer recess.
At least, it provides an opportunity for residents to express their opinions before legislators make the final decision.
A Mirror Web poll – results printed below – shows a fairly even split, with those opposed slightly ahead on the question of expanding the use of red-light cameras.
It’s important that area residents let their lawmakers know what they think about expanding the use of red-light cameras and related ticketing.
This is an issue that seems to have some momentum. The time to speak up – for or against – is now.
The Altoona Mirror