Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's, R-13, fight to reform Red Light Camera systems throughout New Jersey has gained additional support.

Assemblyman Sean Kean, R-30, wants to kill the Red Light Camera program and has signed on to a bill that would do just that, along with another that would significantly alter the program that has installed cameras at some traffic lights throughout the state designed to nab red-light runners.

Kean supports Assembly Bill 3285, which would increase the timing of yellow lights by a full second at intersections that have a red light camera system, lower the current fine for making an illegal right turn on a red light from $85 to $20 and allow a ½-second grace period once a light has turned from amber to red, according to a release.

O'Scanlon has also made efforts to squash attempts by municipalities not involved in the State's red light camera pilot program, like Shrewsbury, to get approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for cameras of their own. 

Shrewsbury has been publicly floating the idea of installing cameras at two intersections on Route 35 claiming that the intersections, which average well under a motor vehicle accident a month, are dangerous. Despite not haing state support, Councilman Tom Menapace has contacted American Traffic Solutions about the prospect of installing cameras, though he maintains that no final decision has been made.

The bill, sponsored by O’Scanlon, is in the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. It has not yet had a hearing.

Kean, who voted against the original bill that allowed the camera program, in the release said he was always wary of the program.

“Corrections to the program must be made to ensure fairness,” Kean said in the release. “The objective is to promote traffic safety, not become a revenue generator.”

Kean in the release said he has also requested to sign on to A-2996, a bill that would repeal the red light program entirely and prohibit future programs in New Jersey. The bill also is authored by O’Scanlon.

“Ideally, I would like to see the entire red light camera program repealed,” Kean said in the release. “I have a problem with the fact that a person cannot face their accuser when they are issued a ticket for running a red light. This practice distorts the justice system.”

Red Bank - Shrewsbury Patch Editor Edward Van Embden contributed to this report.