Still Don’t Like Those Recertified Red Light Cams? You’re Not Alone

The reinstatement of New Jersey's red-light camera pilot program doesn't faze the state senator who's trying to ban them altogether.

The program aims to determine the viability of cameras at collision-prone intersections to reduce the number of drivers ignoring red signals, in the interest of safety. At the same time, each ticket written equates to $86 dollars in fresh fines.

Transportation officials, using data submitted by participating towns, re-certified all 63 cameras in operation after determining that the timing of the ambers met requirements. The stipulation had resulted in a temporary suspension for most units in operation.

Brick Township has three cameras in high-collision spots around Route 70. Police Sergeant John Rein tells us that the amber timings have always been in compliance. He acknowledges that the cameras have generated about $4,000,000 in traffic fines since operations began - but have significantly decreased highway deaths and injuries as well.

In a terse statement today, Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) calls the program "misguided." He's voiced concerns about the obvious new revenue stream it opens for cash-strapped communities, the potential victimization of drivers, and the possibility of manipulation by private firms that benefit financially through the operations.

Doherty's bill, S-1952, would prohibit the use of the cameras anywhere in New Jersey.

"The certification of the 63 red light cameras in question does nothing to address the propriety of the program as a whole," says Doherty.  "More than 4,000 people have signed my online petition supporting our effort to ban red light cameras in New Jersey."

See the petition at http://www.senatenj.com/cameras.