A quick Google search will tell you at least two things about Red Light Cameras-RLC and Photo Radar-PR, they are always in the news and always a contentious issue. The issue of RLC made the headlines Toronto the other day. Police Chief Bill Blair has suggested that that RLC and PR could replace officers now on traffic duties and free them up for more important tasks; reduce gridlock which costs the Toronto a great deal of money in lost economic activity. Let us not forget the cash from fines that would accrue tom the city something acknowledged by all but often not expounded upon by proponents; who are more often promoting the safety aspects of such a plan. Rob Ford has stated his opposition to the idea noting that "the people don't support it, the taxpayers don't support it, I don't support it..."
The questions of Safety and of Money are at the centre of automated traffic control/prevention programs. Are they just a "cash grab" or an element of public safety. Is it a "cash grab"?. Sort of yes; sure, more tickets will be issued because an automated system is more efficient at catching violators than a patrol officer. Sort of no; because guess what, you violated the traffic code, which is punishable by a fine. The notion of "catch me if you can" traffic enforcement is ridiculous. You want officer only supervision because your less likely to be caught.
The larger issue is traffic safety and I guess ensuring a efficient flow of traffic. I submit two studies among the probably thousands commissioned or undertaken on RLC. As always please note who did the study, Chow it was done; and who is promoting it. Against RLC. For RLC. This one is in a neutral voice as befits a government study.
The narrative of the studies depends a lot on the agenda of the authors or promoters. They don't lie; they emphasize certain findings of a study rather than others or commission one to look a one aspect among many. Anti-RLC groups focus on the increase in rear end accidents, which obvious enough increase in RLC areas; sudden stopping to avoid going through a red and getting ticketed. Pro-RLC groups not a decline in T-Bone crashes and the fatalities that often occur with that form of accident.
The question of the utility, beyond income generation for cash strapped municipalities, whether RLC and PR work to lower accident rates; costs associated with accidents. A quick look says they do. That indicates it's worth while doing it, but, if it is unpalatable to your citizens then you need to do more than just throw up a camera and tell driver to "eat cake".
If we want safer roads we need to get the citizens on board and not have them feel like livestock. We new campaigns to promote better driving practices. Engineer better roads and intersections.
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