01-14-2005, 01:44 AM
Evan Wrote:Here is a novel idea- since the "shortening of yellow lights" is one of the main arguments that the red-light-runners use (for good reason), why not just mandate a standard minimum yellow light duration (according to speed limit of course) into law for any and all states implementing the cameras. Simple, cheap, and safe.
I think the system could also use an overhaul, the conflict of interest should be eliminated, and checks/balances installed, but that is relatively easily solved. (similar methods are already installed in government contracts in other arenas)
its a good idea, and a good system. the implementation just needs a good bit of tweaking.
Here is how the NMA would set up a law if there are going to be cameras.
Although the National Motorists Association opposes the use of ticket cameras for the enforcement of traffic laws, we realize that many units of government have adopted this technology and others are likely to follow suit. In the interest of protecting the safety of all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and others, the NMA believes there must be strict adherence to the proper location, installation, maintenance, and operation of traffic control devices. Ticket cameras should only be permitted at intersections where traffic signals meet the following standards, and when basic due process protections are firmly in place and properly respected.
Required Components of Standard Red Light Camera Law
The minimum yellow light interval shall be 4 seconds for intersection signals on streets with actual 85th percentile approach speeds of 30 mph, or less.
The yellow light interval shall be increased › second for each 5-mph increase in 85th percentile approach speeds above 30 mph.
All signals at Red Light Camera-equipped intersections shall meet all warrants and recommended ("should") standards described in the Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD).
Payments to subcontractors, if any, shall be based on the reductions in violations and reductions in accidents and specifically not on the number of citations issued.
The baseline for determining Red Light Camera effect shall be determined after all design and operational requirements have been met and before cameras are installed.
Any citation based on a Red Light Camera being operated at an intersection that is not in compliance with the installation, maintenance and operational requirements specified herein shall be dismissed and all fines, surcharges, and related assessments collected during the period of non-compliance shall be refunded to all defendants, regardless of plea.
All citations issued from the operation of a Red Light Camera shall be postmarked no later than 48 hours from the time of the alleged violation. Notification shall be by certified mail or personal service.
The driver of the vehicle, not the owner, shall be responsible for the violation. There shall be no enforcement exceptions for operators of government owned vehicles unless said drivers are engaged in the pursuit of formal emergency duties.
For a valid conviction, the photo(s) must clearly depict the driver, the vehicle registration number, the state of registration, the vehicle entering the intersection on a red light, and the time and date of the violation.
The registered owner of the vehicle photographed violating a red light traffic signal has no legal obligation to identify the driver of his or her vehicle and the dismissal of charges shall not be made contingent on identifying the driver of the photographed vehicle.