Red Light Cameras

[macramedildo]

So, they got approved. Do we know where they'll be, and when they'll go in? The Buffalo News said there'll be 50 cameras in "the most high-traffic intersections" and it'll be several months before they're up, apparently

Comments

[evilaphrodesia]

Ugh. They're not for safety, they're strictly for revenue. I love the fact that someone can be borrowing your car and if they "run" a light YOU get the ticket. Also, my question is what happens when you're waiting to turn left and have to go through the red (already in the intersection) because you couldn't go before the light turned red, bbut you can't stay there without being a hazard? Ooooh the questions!

Time to get a computer guard on the licence plates!

[of_salfarro]

I fucking hate red light cameras. Its exactly as you say. I got one, and didn't get the ticket until well over a month after the fact. I couldn't even remember doing it, how could I defend myself if I had a legitimate reason for running it?

[deadkidsyntax]

I like how you wrote "run," as though people don't actually run red lights.

[evilaphrodesia]

I'm not implying that people don't ever run red lights. If you're in the intersection before the light turns red, you're not running it. So if you're in the intersection to turn left as I mentioned, or you're in there when the light is yellow and it changes red when you're under the light, you're not technically running the red light. See?

[deadkidsyntax]

I'm fully in support. Anything that penalizing constant driving and urban sprawl gets my approval.

[versonic]

This.

[evilaphrodesia]

Report back when you get a ticket!

[xdead_bloatedx]

this

[broken_contents]

I've got mixed feelings.
Considering I can't stand when I see people BLATANTLY running red lights.. I'm in support.
BUT! I can understand completely where evilaphrodesia is coming from as well. (In which case, I think can be resolved with re-programming the light systems to extend the length of time for *yellow* lights giving drivers ample time to slow down and therefore avoiding accidents. But, also taking into considering at least half the people driving out there drive like their destination is just going to grow legs and run away... perhaps the lengthened yellow light isn't the answer.
Or perhaps install more *green turn signals*?

I think one could come up with all the *perfect* answers in the world, there will ALWAYS be asshole drivers, nervous drivers, (people in a hurry due to emergency?).

It should be interesting to say the least.

[evilaphrodesia]

Increase the yellow lights, yes. And more green turn signals, a definite yes! Maybe they'll be able to take some of the revenue from this new idea and apply it to fixing the streets as well, since they're horrible. I hope something good comes from this since we have no choice but to deal with it. I just hope I don't get rear-ended, or fender bend someone else over this... I only get accident forgiveness once on my insurance!

[macramedildo]

I TOTALLY AGREE that we need more green arrows and/or left turn lanes!!!

[of_salfarro]

A city did that. And then had to take down the red lights because they were costing more than they were making.

[lupusyondergir1]

I can't wait... I'd love a new car by next winter, and I'm sure someone won't be expecting me to stop so as not to chance running a light at least once.

[aisforapathy]

Meh, I'm not quite sure. On the one hand, I would love to see the ignorant fuckers who run red lights all the time (many of whom DO NOT have legit reasons for doing so, by the way...if you constantly find yourself "running late" for work start leaving your house earlier. It really isn't that difficult.) get what they should have gotten a long time ago. On the other, I'm not quite convinced that the amount of revenue the city takes in from all of the additional tickets resulting from this endeavor will balance out what it cost.

If it results in fewer accidents on the road and brings in a sizable amount of money after six months or so, it will have been a wise investment. Personally, I think it's too early to tell. Just because it may not have worked well elsewhere doesn't mean the potential for it to work here is nonexistent.

[evilaphrodesia]

Oh Nate, always playing the Devil's Advocate! I love how you stick to your guns :)

Do you know how this is being paid for in the meantime?

[aisforapathy]

Taxing the hell out of people like you and I?

[macramedildo]

a grant from the feds, i believe. (i thought it was the state, though, but isn't NY broke? )