Red-light Cameras in Texas
No matter what you hear to the contrary, remember, red-light cameras are not about revenues.
Of course, you'll have to neglect incidents like this. Lubbock Texas plans to install red-light cameras on a bunch of lights with shorter-than-normal yellows and makes the city engineer promise not to lengthen them because it will cut into revenues. Literally, they are compromising the safety of the lights to make more money off of them. Don't buy it? Adding a second to the time reduces both accidents and profits. But apparently the safety of its citizens is a secondary concern to the government of Lubbock. Congrats, you greedy bastards.
But remember, lights are not about profits, they're about safety.
Of course, you'll have to neglect incidents like this. Lubbock Texas plans to install red-light cameras on a bunch of lights with shorter-than-normal yellows and makes the city engineer promise not to lengthen them because it will cut into revenues. Literally, they are compromising the safety of the lights to make more money off of them. Don't buy it? Adding a second to the time reduces both accidents and profits. But apparently the safety of its citizens is a secondary concern to the government of Lubbock. Congrats, you greedy bastards.
But remember, lights are not about profits, they're about safety.
Labels: government, law, society
posted at
2/27/2007 01:38:00 PM
Measured Against Reality Feed
4 Comments:
Actually, the city is not responsible for requiring the shortened yellow light-time. Lockheed Martin owns the patents on the red light camera systems used across the nation, and in order for a city to license the technology Lockheed requires shortening of the yellow-light time (the exact amount escapes me at the moment) AND 50% of ALL penalties dispensed. I am currently working my 2nd internship with Lockheed's central Florida location.
Anyone working in city govt who will echo this and provide a copy of the contract? Citizens need to know.
By
Unknown, at 10:15 AM, February 28, 2007
city getting caught in the signal timing issue has caused them to delay it (www.thenewspaper.com):
2/28/2007
Texas: City Depended on Red Light Camera Revenue Before Installation
A stalled red light camera has caused a budget crisis in Lubbock, Texas.
City officials in Lubbock, Texas ordered a freeze on all new hiring for government departments -- including police and fire -- because of a budget shortfall caused by red light cameras. The city had been counting on using the devices to produce $1.5 million in revenue, but last week it was forced to delay the program. KCBD television had exposed the short yellow timing at proposed camera intersections and forced officials to agree to extend the duration of yellow lights. Re-timed traffic lights would not produce the expected number of tickets.
"It is all about money," City Councilman John Leonard explained to KCBD. "From the first week in office between the new mayor and myself discussions were initiated on how much revenue would red light cams bring. It wasn't until we tried to sell the idea to the public that we started talking about public safety."
Lubbock currently has 2000 employees and 60 vacancies. The police department, for example, had hoped to add additional police officers but will be unable to do so until the freeze is lifted.
Source: City Issues Hiring Freeze After Red Light Cameras Put On Hold (KCBD-TV (TX), 2/28/2007)
Regional News:
By
Anonymous, at 11:49 AM, February 28, 2007
In live in Lubbock. As of Monday(2/26) the Lubbock City council put the installation of the red light cameras on hold. The city council has not giving a clear reason for this, but one of the local news stations did a story on this and found that the yellow lights on most of the intersection were the cameras were to be installed were too fast. After the the project was put on hold the city also announced a hiring freeze. Personal I think the city council was trying to generate fund not improve public safety.
By
Stephen, at 2:03 PM, February 28, 2007
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