Cash Grab Or Traffic Safety Issue
Do Cameras Improve Traffic Safety?
The City of Rochester, New York is planning to move forward with a plan to start taking pictures of people who disobey traffic signals. Rochester’s City Council passed what’s called home rule legislation requesting the state legislature to approve the plan to install 50 red light cameras. The cameras would be installed in what are described as the busiest intersections in the city.
Approval from New York State could come as early as next week. The Rochester Police Department will then conduct a study to determine exactly how many drivers run red lights in the city, before the cameras are installed.
But, do cameras really work at traffic lights? Or, do they simply cause more accidents?
Cameras Cause More Accidents
Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy says using the cameras at some of the city’s busiest intersections will cut down on accidents AND generate approximately $1 million in revenue. It’s true, the cameras are designed to improve safety. But in the current economy, even those who support the idea say the added benefit of extra dollars make it more enticing. The cameras are designed to photograph the car’s license plate and and the traffic light. Then, if the light is red, a ticket is sent to the driver. Even Rochester Police Chief David Moore said the cameras will cut down on accidents.
Can you say “Liar” or just “Ignorant”
Both Rochester Police Chief David Moore, and current Mayor Bob Duffy, who used to be the Rochester Police Chief, should be ashamed of themselves. They are either lying to us, or they haven’t done their research and are therefore ignorant of what these cameras really do.
Believe me, this is nothing more than a cash-grab by the cash-strapped City of Rochester. It is no secret that Mayor Duffy likes to bonus his top employees with taxpayer money, while at the same time saying it’s time to tighten the budget belt. The city is in red and he spends more time crying to Albany about fair-share than he does working a balanced budget.
The red-light cameras are a cash-grab, and nothing more.
Making matters even worse – as a former Police Chief, and the current Police Chief – should know such cameras do not cut down on traffic accidents. Statistics actually reveal they cause more accidents. These statistics are readily available online as city after city who thought it was a good idea, remove the cameras because accident rates go up. It’s also part of many defensive driving course information. Traffic light cameras do not bring safety. They make the intersection more hazardous because people are more concerned about watching the camera, than watching what’s going on around them. People approach an intersection with a camera, and slam on their brakes causing accidents.
In this case, I actually agree with Rochester Councilman Adam McFadden. I have disagreed with him many times in the past. But at least Councilman McFadden is coming right out and saying this is a cash-grab by Rochester City Council.
Drivers beware! When the traffic cameras are installed at an intersection near you in Rochester, New York, it’s a cash-grabbing accident causer. If I were you, I’d find out where those intersections are, and avoid them because you will be involved in a fender bender in the near future.
Shame on Rochester City Council for trying to hide the cash-grab tactic under the guise of traffic safety. Of course we also have to say shame on Albany if legislatures give the okay on this plan. If they do, that means New York State is simply looking for a take in this photo-sham too.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
Sorry, Dr. Russ, I disagree on this one. We have had the red light cammeras in Phoenix for years now. The cammeras do seem to cut down on accidents. Red light running is a problem. A failure to yield accident tyipally leaves cars smashed in many, many pieces and rolled over in the intersection. A fender bender because someone stops is more of an inconvience.
Now if safety is the motive, I think the city should donate the revenue to MADD or some other non afiliated organization. But I think the city wants to raise revenue, they could care less about your safety.
I think maybe they should turn the cameras on for the people that apply their brakes going through a green light. After years of driving around Greater Rochester, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is the only place where Green does not mean Go–It means Stop!
This is not the only thing that Police Chief David Moore needs to be ashamed of. His whole career has been a sham and a lie. If you think you might be interested in a factual account of who this man really is please email me. This is a real human interest story that will surely shock you