Add Florida to the growing list of states which think that cameras nailing red-light/yellow light runners can help bail them out of financial difficulty. Like several Lake County communities, Gator Nation says you can run red lights, but you can't hide.
If the Florida Legislature OKs a bill currently in the legislative hopper, red-light cameras will be installed at intersections all over the state. Kind of like Lake County, huh?
Unlike, say Waukegan, the fine in the Sunshine State will be $150, not the measly $100 Waukeganites and unsuspecting folks in North Chicago have to put up with. They must be really hard up for revenue in Florida. Guess those tourists covered with oil are staying home considering the recession and all.
And, like Illinois, Florida pols maintain these videocops aren't merely moneymakers. Said one Florida lawmaker: "This is not a tax. It's a fine for running red lights."
Right, and The Hound has some Florida swamp for sale. Any takers?
It is a money maker, I have yet to see any studies stating intersections are safer. Also, I have inquired that since tickets are issued to the registered owners of the vehicle, who would get tickets say if a municipal, governmet or business vehicle were to have an infraction. They can threaten to take your drivers license away if you fail to pay, how do they enforce payment for those I listed. Funny that no one can answer that question. Also, in Michigan they have outlawed red light cameras stating that you can not make a crime a city matter for discipline. Cities love to say they are saving you the hassle of going to court but I argue that at least in court you can argue in front of an impartial judge as opposed to arguing with a person the city has hired to decide your guilt. It's a lot cheaper arguing in a regular court than filing a claim in a circuit court which costs well more than the $100 fine they charge. Kind of a strong arm tactic don't you think?
It's not a tax... true. But it is a grab for some cash. Its saying, we have never had any intention to station an officer at this intersection but this automated system can bring in some money under the disguise of "safety".
I understand that these cameras are ticketing people who have actually broken traffic laws but is it right to suddenly go ape-crazy over a small offense like this that the city has otherwise cared nothing about?
Of course, they need money. If memory serves me correctly, Florida doesn't tax groceries.
THE HOUND SEZ: Florida doesn't tax food, Irene. But they tax tourists a plenty.
I think these cameras are the best idea yet - driving in Lake County has become a hazard that needs to be stopped. Good for the cities for putting them - yes, they do generate a much need income for the cities and let the law breakers pay instead of us all having to have our taxes raised. It all goes back to - you break the law, you pay!
THE HOUND SAYS: They're the best idea yet, until you get one, C. Hart. The odds are, you will because more and more communities are installing them to generate income.
These things are ridiculous. I live in IL, but work all over WI. So most of my time is spent driving north of the boarder. It wasn't until I had a free day and went shopping in the Vernon Hills area that I noticed how many of these things there are throughout Lake County. You can't drive Grand Ave. without spotting one of these "green machines," as I like to call them. And I know there's some in Waukegan as well, and I'm sure there's more to come unfortunately.
People debate it promotes safer driving? I beg to differ. How many people will second guess their decision upon seeing these things? That’s all it takes is you to second guess yourself and then you're in an accident. Use a simple tactic that truck drivers use, if you pay attention to your driving (both at the light or going through the light). Flash your lights and honk your horn if you're not going to be able to stop. Breaking the law? Of course! Helping someone avoid an accident? Better than nothing. Better than just hitting the gas pedal and saying as I quote comedian Dane Cook " Why did you stop and let me hit you doing 80!?"
But also why this doesn't promote safer driving is that these things don't prevent, help, or teach anyone anything! It’s a simple revenue generator. The only reason why people run red lights is mainly because their speeding or at the end of a pack of cars traveling through the intersection in rush hour. So rather than enforcing red lights, maybe step up speed limit enforcement. Oh wait, they already have that on the highway. I guess that’s not for more revenue as well right?
Both serve as much purpose as Blago’s shampoo. To make money.
THE HOUND SEZ: Well made points, Fast Eddie. The Hound wonders which Lake County community will resist this red-light camera temptation and actually stand up for personal liberties, or at least admit, as you say, it has nothing to do with safety and is all about the moolah.