Red Light Camera Reform Bill Introduced
Local legislator Declan O'Scanlon, R-13, introduced a bipartisan bill to reform red light cameras.
With Red Light Cameras throughout the state having been turned back on following a recent suspension, and with other towns, like Shrewsbury, considering setting up cameras of their own at busy intersections, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the state assembly to alleviate some of the criticisms associated with the controversial program.
Local legislator Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-13, a noted opponent of the Red Light Camera program, is a lead sponsor of the reform bill, which was introduced Wednesday. According to a release, the proposed legislation increases yellow light timing at intersections with cameras by a full second. It also would reduce the fine of right turns on red from $85 to $20 and finally would mandate a half-second grace period once the light turns red to allow cars to move through the intersection.
The changes are necessary, O’Scanlon argues, because of existing flaws in a program he believes doesn’t increase safety anyway, but is instead used only as a way for towns to generate revenue. In June, Gov. Chris Christie ordered a majority of the state’s Red Light Cameras suspended after concerns were raised over inaccurate timing. Though the cameras were eventually turned back on, O’Scanlon claims an engineer he hired personally to assess yellow light timing following the restart still found flaws in the system.
“If these cameras are going to be used by our towns they must operate in accordance with the intent of the law and the programming parameters must be clearly laid out in that law,” O’Scanlon said in a statement. “This new legislation solves all of the flaws of the current pilot program, eliminates confusion and ensures our constituents are being treated fairly. I would be perfectly happy to end this failed program immediately, failing that, we must enact this legislation.”
The bill already has bipartisan support from legislators in Monmouth, Bergen, Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.
Though the Red Light Camera program has been beset with complaints and criticisms, towns like Shrewsbury have attempted to get into the program. In Shrewsbury’s case, the case for cameras comes down to having heavily trafficked intersections and a limited police force.
Shrewsbury, a town with just over 3,000 people, sees an estimated 50,000 people drive through it on most days, according to officials. The proposed cameras would be located at two intersections: Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue and Route 35 and Shrewsbury Avenue.
Councilman Tom Menapace said the borough only has between two and three officers on patrol at a time and is unable to spend significant time stationed at the two intersections. The camera quest has yet to make it out of a preliminary stage, however, as Shrewsbury continues to investigate the program. With pressure to end the program coming from officials throughout the state, Shrewsbury’s efforts to get cameras of its own may never come to fruition.
Col. Korn
10:49 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
You need to introduce a Bill that outlaws the use of Red Light Cameras throughout the state. It has been conclusively proven that Red light cameras cause accidents and the foreknowledge of this makes the municipalities liable for damages incurred by such accidents.
I will make it simple for you: If a Red Light Camera is installed in Shrewsbery and there is even one Accident at that intersection, I will see to it that a Lawsuit is filed against you that will make make you curse your own Mothers for ever having given birth to you.
Your Obt. Svt.
Col Korn,
Chief O’ Mayhem in the Great WW-2 (And the Cold War)
Now Chief O’ Security, Sanitation (And the Complaint Dept.)
OXOjamm Studios.
wesdxcvvv
7:29 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Another good reason to spend money in Red Bank. At least someone understands the problems and is trying to level the paying field.
JosephGhabourLaw
2:31 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
The issue here is creating a safer driving environment, not raising municipal revenue. While the longer yellow phase is great, there needs to be clear access to information stating when the light was last synchronized. Cameras need to be for safety, which is Shrewsbury’s claim. With the bill the cameras do just that, without hitting taxpayers with dangerous and unfair automated systems.
Studies have show that longer yellows are safer, which is common sense. Drivers will slam on the breaks at a yellow light, creating the potential for an accident, in fear of a ticket. The right-turn violation is rational as well, as the purpose of the ticket is again, safety, not ticket revenue.
Fred M
4:56 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
Joe, does the Boro have any liability when accidents do happen.?..I would never slam on my breaks when I know I can get through the light before it turns red..With a camera installed I will now think about slamming on the breaks..Will accidents increase with these cameras? If so, then don't install em.. Why doesn't the Boro care about accidents that will happened more frequently? Again if this is too make money, then how STUPID is this? On another note..
Fred M
5:00 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
I would like to know how many accidents have happened at these intersections. The risk of accidents will increase..As long as the Boro makes money accidents are irrelevant..
Marjorie Smith
9:09 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
Why are you people driving so fast in town that you can't stop for a red light? Yellow means to slow down so you can stop without SLAMMING the brakes. You should get fined if you run a red light because that can cause an accident! When has a yellow light ever meant speed up so you can beat the red?
Fred M
4:41 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
Marjorie, I don't think you understand the point..When you are driving (not speeding)and have a green light and you are 20 ft from the intersection and the light turns yellow, you drive through the light. Yellow light is about 3 seconds long, where as being 20 ft away from light takes split second to get through..All people do this..Nobody slams on the breaks when you are just about in the intersection and light turns yellow...People will start to do this..I am sure you have drove through with the light yellow...Problem has nothing to do with speeding drivers...Do you understand how the tickets are issued? All it takes is any part of your car to be within the intersection ..So, if that light turns red and your car has 1 inch still in intersection then you get ticket....If you wait in middle of intersection to make a left turn and you can't because of traffic and only way you can take the left is when light turns red to stop traffic then you make turn...TICKET. Camera catches car in intersection while light is red...Drivers will now have doubt what to do....CRASH
Fred M
4:43 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
This has nothing to do with safety...Accidents will increase...