FL cities using red-light cameras as statewide crashes numbers increase

[thelakelander]

Red-light cameras are here to stay in Jacksonville and three other Northeast Florida communities, according to a recent report from state transportation officials.

But the reduction in crashes and injuries that police hoped for after the cameras' installation statewide as well as in Jacksonville, Palatka, Green Cove Springs and Orange Park hasn't appeared.

Statistics from before and after red-light cameras were installed statewide show an overall 14.65 percent increase (3,453 to 3,959) in reported crashes. There also was an increase in statewide crash and pedestrian/bicycle fatalities (20 to 25) in the review of 276 camera-equipped intersections in Florida.

Full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2016-01-22/story/fewer-florida-communities-are-using-red-light-cameras-statewide-crashes

[southsider1015]

This racket is embarrassing. 

Where's Tommy Hazouri when ya need him?

[KenFSU]

The sad thing is that anyone with even a cursory knowledge of red-light cameras (including many, many people on this forum) predicted the increase in accidents. It was a foregone conclusion. Is, and has always been, a cash-grab.

[Adam White]

I prefer speed cameras. I think red light cameras can have their place, but I would question how they're being used if they're leading to such an increase in traffic accidents. Everything I've read has indicated that, while rear-end collisions may increase, there should be a relative decrease in side collisions. That said, correlation doesn't necessarily equal causation, so there could be other reasons for the increase.

If FL drivers are so bad (and so prone to breaking the law) that they are actually causing more accidents in situations like this, I think maybe the better approach would be to have police officers step up their enforcement. Eventually, people will learn they have to slow down when a light is amber - not speed up.

[coredumped]

I'm opposed to them. If it were about safety, they would increase the yellow light duration, not decrease them like they've been doing, statewide, including here in Jacksonville. Oh, and they're unconstitutional.

[coredumped]

Thankfully, a bill is moving forward with momentum to ban them:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/bill-to-ban-red-light-cameras-passed-florida-house/np9GQ/