Cameras that catch drivers running red lights are supposedly installed for safety purposes, Digital Camera Buying Guide but critics are now raising their voices -- calling them highway robbery.The Federal Highway Administration says over a period of five years ending in 2010, nearly 800 people a year on average died in red light-running accidents.
Enter the red light camera: those automated sentries standing watch at intersections, snapping pictures of all who venture through after the light has changed. The cameras are in use in 541 communities across 24 states and Washington, D.C.Ray Hunt, president of the Houston Police Union, said the issue is about safety at intersections. "The cameras create safer intersections," he said.Asked how a red light camera helps with not paying attention, Hunt said, "Red light cameras change behavior at those intersections. If the light changes to yellow, instead of hitting the gas and going through it, you are going to hit the brakes and stop."
But the cameras have their critics. Michael Kubosh calls them "scameras." He said, "They just scam the public, they're not for safety."Brothers Michael and Paul Kubosh led a successful rebellion against red light cameras in Houston. The city took the cameras down more than a year ago. The brothers say the only reason cities install the cameras in is to make money. It's estimated that Houston earned $44 million during the four years the cameras were operating.
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