Yes, perhaps.
Especially since they aren’t charged as criminal activity.

The main thing is how they are used. If they are used to reduce dangerous behavior, that is a good thing. Longer ambers is part of that as are signs letting people know. If they are used as traps for people who are othewise driving safely, that is a bad thing.

As is the case with all human endeavors, they can be used or misused.

David for specifications

@Mike J. – I accept your argument that the fear of fines may affect your driving habits but there are also many repeat low income offenders to the point of having their licenses suspended. And I would think that a wealthy person would give it little thought since from what I have read most traffic camera citations do not incur points against your license or insurance.

@robby – What if one life is lost because someone makes a split second decision and slams on brakes at a yellow light from fear of a ticket and is rear-ended at 60 mph by a work van that can’t stop on a dime. Yes, people shouldn’t be going 60 mph in traffic areas with red lights but they do including law enforcement. Just something to think about. There are two sides to every coin.

Well, if a person gets one, two, three, etc. tickets it will hurt their wallet more and more. It does change behavior and perhaps attitude.

I was pulled over twice on the same long straight road. Once for speeding and once for the license plate light not working at night. I got warnings for both. Now I am careful with my speed there and check my cars lights all around. So therefore it changed my behavior. Because I got warnings not tickets, they don’t get any money from me unless I make a mistake.

Question: if red-light cameras are being used at an intersection, is the warning sign required to be there? I see cameras sometimes with no sign and wonder if they are for red-light enforcement or traffic safety.

Actually, tax laws are specificly for the enrichment of the governing body.
Not that that applies here, but that is a usage of law holding long standing.
Now, you could say that enrichment is for enforcement of other things to protect society just as wanted posters enriched bounty hunters by the capture of killers.

It’s worth considering.

David for a better world

Its at least good to see something bipartisan that I can get behind for a change.

“There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” –James Madison

Interesting you say they had fewer infractions if they had the yellow lights on for shorter periods.

Other states have extended the time on the amber lights by two seconds wherever cameras were set up — therefore not entrapment. It would be reasonable to include video recording to show not just the vehicle at time of infraction but what went on before and after the picture to avoid chance of erroneous charges.

No matter the reasons of some wanting them, the reduction of people running red lights would be a good thing and is bound to be the reason for at least some of those who support it. Note that the article includes:
“Meanwhile, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a report Thursday showing that crashes were less frequent at red light camera intersections, based on data from 73 agencies. The report said accidents were less frequent in intersections with cameras in 41 jurisdictions but up in such intersections in 11 jurisdictions.”

So generally it seems they have reduced crashes and possibly save some lives and legs — if that matters.

David for better drivers