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City plan: double red-light cameras

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH -- By Robert Vitale -- Red-light cameras would go up at twice as many Columbus intersections and two portable camera units would be used to catch school-zone speeders under a plan headed to the City Council.

But the plan does not call for modifying the 20 current red-light cameras to catch motorists who drive too fast, Department of Public Safety officials said yesterday. They don't plan to add that capability to the 20 red-light cameras that would be added under the proposal, either.

Doing that, they fear, would risk a voter revolt similar to those that unplugged cameras last fall in Chillicothe and Heath.

"It's a pragmatic recommendation on our part," Deputy Public Safety Director George Speaks said.

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Submitted Mar 19, 2010 By: SUVFan

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kelsielee Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,389 Points:672,025 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2010 9:37:15 AM Ignore kelsielee Report Abuse I was surprised to read how little of the ticket price the city actually received (so much went to the company providing the cameras). I wonder if the same percentages are true for all the cameras in Atlanta. It might explain why so many cities are removing cameras that they had installed.
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,148 Points:828,370 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2010 4:04:18 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse Columbus have traffic circles; they just don't make much sense. Been to the airport recently? If you thought you could navigate in and out before last year; give it a look-see. Double cameras will more than double the income.
SUVFan Champion Author Columbus Posts:9,201 Points:1,173,165 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2010 3:58:24 PM Ignore SUVFan Report Abuse I like that, Mysticmeg. We don't have a lot of traffic circles in Ohio, but they work well in New Jersey on US 1. Even where there are lights, they ban left turns, making all traffic leave to the right. The power for the lights is minor compared to the gas that is wasted stopping and restarting. Try to coast up to a red light and somebody zooms around you in another lane to be first at the light. It's maddening. Plus all the gas wasted idling.
Mysticmeg Rookie Author Fort Worth Posts:6 Points:1,125 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2010 8:37:38 AM Ignore Mysticmeg Report Abuse Take out all traffic lights in the United States of America. Install TRAFFIC CIRCLES. Just look at the intersection in Southlake Texas. The intersection in Fort Worth Texas. While you are going round and round...where you go nobody knows...very much like a childhood game...Effectively taking away the Electricity Utility and the Traffic Ticket plans for the governments. The looks on the motorists face is very interesting...when approaching the Circle and then they realize the effect. Where you cannot use TRAFFIC e a STOP SIGN..A YIELD SIGN. Less Electric usage...Power all Traffic Lights with WIND POWER or SOLAR POWER. Now you are talking CHANGE!!!!!!
ops3 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,229 Points:737,025 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 8:11:43 PM Ignore ops3 Report Abuse Looks like the Budget shortage in Columbus has really gotten serious. They must really need the money badly!
Nicoalbum Champion Author Ottawa Posts:3,591 Points:725,285 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 6:28:49 PM Ignore Nicoalbum Report Abuse It is a good decision. All red lights will have to be equipped with cameras.
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,312 Points:962,455 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 6:23:56 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse If I know a red light is camera protected I am absolutely sure I won't run it and neither will anyone, once they are aware of an absolute and sure fine. Same with speeding. It would get my attention and my compliance. So let's do it and let the cops get onto something besides molesting the motoring public. Once in place and working I doubt if there will much revenue made from these cameras.
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,312 Points:962,455 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 5:58:47 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse I think I could live with red-light cameras and automatic ticket-writing radar/camera set ups if it would free up units for actual anti-criminal activities those activities that don't include speed traps, car chases and other events these guys seem to obcess on. Perhaps they could find out who broke into your house last week or murdered your family member last year and have time to work other violent crimes such as rape and ambushing joggers in the park....stop robberies...they could patrol lonely neighborhoods at night looking after the people (who pay the taxes they squander so carelessly on traffic control) give us some relief from trauma and expense of run-a-way crime in the USA!
pgriff1 Champion Author New Orleans Posts:4,288 Points:1,587,930 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 3:42:40 PM Ignore pgriff1 Report Abuse the move here is to get them banned. the challenge will be to ween the elected officials away from that revenue stream. It does however cut down on the accedents at the monitored intersections.
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:6,671 Points:1,317,165 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 2:05:18 PM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse There are for sure the be disagreements with plans like this. It is true that no driver wants to get a ticket/fine, weather they break the law often or hardly ever, so there is for sure question are going to come up!
teafortwo Champion Author Washington Posts:15,376 Points:924,335 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 1:28:21 PM Ignore teafortwo Report Abuse I am a bit puzzled by your comment Rick52 from Milwaukee? You said: ["This is a very OLD article !!!!! Are we running out of good things to post ?????? "] And yet when I opened the link provided by SUVFan this is what I found: City plan: double red-light cameras But new, existing devices won’t be used on speeders Friday, March 19, 2010 2:53 AM By Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH ****************************************************************** MY question to Rick52 is this: HOW MUCH MORE RECENT THAN 2:53 AM THIS MORNING DO YOU NEED? AND, at least it is not another repost / rehash of a story that has already been submitted 20 times earlier today. Thanks for sharing SUVFan. It is good to hear that the speeding and drag racing problems are being addressed in Columbus streets as well ;0)
fordmexico Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,561 Points:307,200 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 1:26:37 PM Ignore fordmexico Report Abuse Posted TODAY from a Columbus Dispatch article dated March 19, 2010. Rick52 posted, "This is a very OLD article !!!!! Are we running out of good things to post ??????" Et tu Rick52 ?? [Edited by: fordmexico at 3/19/2010 1:27:04 PM EST]
coughlin Champion Author San Jose Posts:3,346 Points:757,100 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 1:18:25 PM Ignore coughlin Report Abuse I have no problem with Red Light or Speeding camera's ... especially in San Jose. What I don't like is that their popularity is exploding due to their ability to raise revenue. Traffic Laws and Regulations should be based upon decisions regarding Public Safety. If generating revenue becomes the basis, it is a short step to installing Speeding Camera's on Freeways and Expressways to increase revenue. And if generating revenue (and NOT Public Safety) is the basis, how does that make a cop (or any Public Official) feel? These people aren't robots. If they feel that they are doing their jobs in large part to generate revenue (instead of enhancing safety), rationalizing one's own illegal behavior would become much more attractive and enticing. How about Fire Departments? Now THERE IS a department that could be a REAL maker!
Art48 Champion Author Sacramento Posts:2,586 Points:96,255 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 11:25:14 AM Ignore Art48 Report Abuse The fact still remains: if you don't speed or run red lights there's no problem. The same people complain about DUI check points and "Speed traps" and parking enforcement. If you abide by the laws, what is the problem?
Sealer Champion Author Charleston Posts:5,653 Points:838,400 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:31:46 AM Ignore Sealer Report Abuse Now that the Progressives are in control of our government, we can expect more government involvement in every aspect of our lives until they are voted out.
Chummy37 Champion Author Calgary Posts:1,566 Points:783,620 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:28:13 AM Ignore Chummy37 Report Abuse Cash cows is all these are!
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,137 Points:1,640,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:27:35 AM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse Sounds like Hitler is taking control of Columbus. "1984 here we come."
baitmn Champion Author New Orleans Posts:6,637 Points:1,641,675 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:27:25 AM Ignore baitmn Report Abuse they have shut them down here, because the company was getting pay back from the one of the city Rep. for phonny ticket being issue by changing the timing on the cambera.
Rick52 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:9,433 Points:740,285 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:25:37 AM Ignore Rick52 Report Abuse This is a very OLD article !!!!! Are we running out of good things to post ??????
gas_too_high Champion Author Columbus Posts:8,198 Points:1,480,990 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:25:32 AM Ignore gas_too_high Report Abuse Columbus so far has implemented traffic cameras in a measured way. It has limited them to red-light use only, not speed enforcement, has targeted specific high-accident intersections and has used sworn law-enforcement officers who actually issue tickets based on camera footage. The limited use of speed cameras around school zones and parks follows this restraint. Heath got into trouble because they flooded a major street with red-light and speed cameras, likely without public inpuht. So they suffered a backlash. Columbus still could do better. The company supplying the cameras gets a cut of the fines. They should instead get a flat fee, to avoid all appearances of revenue generation or improper influence on traffic enforcement. GTH
CPapi Veteran Author Chicago Posts:349 Points:84,000 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:22:18 AM Ignore CPapi Report Abuse They're working to take OUT these cameras in Chicago
soutxed Champion Author Texas Posts:10,215 Points:1,801,065 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:21:18 AM Ignore soutxed Report Abuse As of Monday, the "Red Light Cameras" in Harlingen, TX will be disconnected. Money will be spent on redesigning the intersections.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:6,360 Points:1,174,110 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:21:02 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse JUST CALL THEM "LIFE SAVERS".i'VE BEEN THROUGHthe camera thing in Calif.Watched the screaming and hollering,and they went through the court system.The y will save lives once people quit coming up to the intersections at 40 mph after light is yellow.The 2 seconds you save running a light isn't worth it.If people don't care about someone elses life,then why should the city care about making money off them.By the way, tickets in San Diego are a lotttttttt HIGHERRRRRRR.tHE DEATH AND MAIMED TOLL HAS GONE WAY DOWN.Only the law breakers are the ones screaming,and maybe a few attorneys that only care about the almighty dollar.
Liberty2000 Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:1,319 Points:240,395 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:20:27 AM Ignore Liberty2000 Report Abuse More "nanny state" crap! Trying to increase revenue.
Patch44 Champion Author Buffalo Posts:5,603 Points:1,358,385 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:20:26 AM Ignore Patch44 Report Abuse MG Sputnik: I'm with you!
RochBear Champion Author Minnesota Posts:8,462 Points:1,439,505 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:20:14 AM Ignore RochBear Report Abuse They need to crack down on red light runners! I see so many poeple still going through the light (which is stagered) when the light has already turned green for the cross traffic. The only way that can happen is if they started through long after the light was Red for them.
ACTown Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,857 Points:1,121,500 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:18:44 AM Ignore ACTown Report Abuse They sure make you aware of the traffic lights changes. It is tough because you will stop harder if it turns yellow.
spunky4443 Champion Author Washington Posts:4,756 Points:1,215,915 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:18:29 AM Ignore spunky4443 Report Abuse Just another way to get your money.
MG_Sputnik Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:5,159 Points:1,503,630 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:16:58 AM Ignore MG_Sputnik Report Abuse I can't stand it when drivers don't heed the 15mph law with school buses.
Patch44 Champion Author Buffalo Posts:5,603 Points:1,358,385 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:16:06 AM Ignore Patch44 Report Abuse Hey, if they save one life, it's worth it. Why do morons run red lights anyway?
FlyNFool Champion Author South Carolina Posts:5,965 Points:1,224,230 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:13:47 AM Ignore FlyNFool Report Abuse Just call them revenue generators!
playtimeCLE Champion Author Cleveland Posts:5,915 Points:1,093,450 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:12:54 AM Ignore playtimeCLE Report Abuse I'm surprised that in Columbus they don't call them red & gray light camera's!
CharlieC08 Champion Author Colorado Posts:6,394 Points:1,154,200 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:10:44 AM Ignore CharlieC08 Report Abuse I have mixed emotions about those but it does keep people from going thru after the light turns.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:7,040 Points:2,003,075 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:06:20 AM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse Those red light cameras are money makers. In Stockton the cost is $380.00 in Oakland it's $480.00!!!
oilrobber Champion Author Miami Posts:7,297 Points:1,469,335 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:04:47 AM Ignore oilrobber Report Abuse I read an article where several states are going to remove these cameras. Seems they can't prove who is actually driving the car.
Goatroper Champion Author Dallas Posts:4,689 Points:914,495 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:03:44 AM Ignore Goatroper Report Abuse I am in favor of the red light cameras. You will see fewer red light runners.
jorobins538 Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,310 Points:358,290 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:02:46 AM Ignore jorobins538 Report Abuse what is the big deal? if you obey the traffic lights, you don't get ticketed, right? only if you blow through a red light - then you deserve a ticket.
bluenvoy Champion Author Nashville Posts:11,578 Points:1,502,465 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 10:01:59 AM Ignore bluenvoy Report Abuse All they are interested in is to get more $$$$$$. It has nothing to do with speeders.
Cakes77 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:2,989 Points:1,233,040 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 9:49:50 AM Ignore Cakes77 Report Abuse Wow, watch your driving there!
klatu2u All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:831 Points:197,500 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 9:47:30 AM Ignore klatu2u Report Abuse Cameras coming on Rte 84 in Danbury, CT. Your tax $ at work. Big Brother keeps epanding his grip.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:5,015 Points:1,021,160 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 9:22:54 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse money grab by government
SUVFan Champion Author Columbus Posts:9,201 Points:1,173,165 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 9:16:44 AM Ignore SUVFan Report Abuse I posted this realizing the Dispatch doesn't score the automatic 10 votes normally required to reach the home page. This article will be linked in a Columbus forum "Articles of Local Interest" thread, enabling local members to get article points and local news. Generally, I dislike redlight cameras. The stated goal -- reducing accidents -- though worthy seems like it could be accomplished other ways. Frankly, most red lights are unnecessary most of the time. More gas is wasted stopping for lights and stop signs than speeding, I'd guess.