Red light cameras have been met with mixed success in American cities – some have lost public and government support and others have been given credit for increasing vehicle safety in their communities. Some cities have repealed these traffic systems, and many have made millions of dollars in revenue. InsuranceQuotes has compiled a few of the highlights worth paying attention to in this market trend. This website covers insurance industry news and tips for effective risk management.
• In Houston, red light cameras were deactivated after years of use, shot down by both the city council and city voters. There was concern that the cameras were merely a money-making scheme that didn’t really improve public safety.
• Los Angeles also voted to shut down their controversial red light program, citing a lack of viable enforcement. Only 60% of tickets were paid, as the photo enforcement law made compliance a voluntary action.
• Westminster, Md., a Baltimore suburb, deactivated most of their red light cameras for a more troubling reason — they were believed to be causing accidents, while at the same time costing taxpayers money.
• A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that Arlington, Va.’s red light cameras are doing what they are intended: reducing the number of red light violations, especially those that would likely result in crashes.
• In Fairfax City, Va., red light cameras are effective, and city officials openly discuss the cameras’ role in city revenues.
• Residents in Houston, Cincinnati, Anaheim, and Albuquerque have voted to either stop red light camera initiatives or shut down projects entirely. However there is national support for the cameras. In 2009, a survey of voters found that 69% of Americans support the use of red light cameras at dangerous intersections.
