Aug 21, 2007 10:45 pm US/Central
Are Red Light Cameras Working Too Well?
by Jack Fink
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
New evidence suggests controversial red light cameras are working faster than expected in Dallas.
If a person gets caught by the camera going through a red light, they have to pay $75.
This year, the City of Dallas says red light camera fines will be $6.5 million lower than expected.
Fewer red light runners translates into fewer green-backs for cities.
Dallas will collect millions less in fines this year. The city anticipated 21 violations per day per camera.
But currently, there are 15 violations a day per camera.
The program seems to be changing the way people drive.
"I stop at yellow," said one driver. "I don't want a ticket for running a red light."
In Richardson, red light violators and fines are down from last year in the four intersections with cameras.
The number of crashes in those intersections is also down, from 13 to nine.
Red light violations and crashes have also dropped in Frisco and Garland.
The lower red light camera revenues do not affect city services.
In all North Texas cities, any extra money raised from the program is put back into traffic safety.
How Do You Know When You've Run A Red Light?
(CBS 11 News)
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