Ravenwood - 12/04/03 07:30 AM
With finances in the red, Chicago decided to install red light cameras at selected intersections which have proven to be lucrative cash cows. The Chicago Tribune reports that 1,114 motorists have been fined more than $100,000 in just 3 weeks for running red lights. Camera proponents claimed that the cameras were a "safety" measure, even though lengthening the yellow light is the most effective way to reduce red light running. Now that they are installed, Chicago wants to dig even deeper and set the cameras to fine people for speeding as well.
"The software system we have has the ability to record speed," said Brian Steele, a spokesman for the city's Transportation Department. "We are looking at a way to wrap that violation into the red-light violation."And why not. You could also analyze the photos for expired tags and decals, broken headlights, and worn wiper blades. With some quick analysis, you could easily boost your average fine from $100 to $500-$600. Imagine the kind of cash they could rake in.
These cameras have been a pain to everyone except the treasurers wherever installed, even in one place (sadly, I don't remember where) where it was shown that the time of the yellow light was reduced a couple of months after the cameras were installed. Nor is it a defense to show that while the car may have gone through the light, or been speeding, the registration-holder was not in the vehicle at the time: that's (the plate) what shows so that's who is fined. And while a red light is considered the same as a stop sign - ie, it is permissible to go through after a complete stop if traffic permits - you are considered guilty unless you can prove traffic permitted.
And this is still only the barest beginning. Some clothing now has radio-responders (RFID), and some cars as well (those "wands" for some gas companies and toll roads), so look forward to one being required on cars.
If they can't get us to go along with tax increases, they'll get their money somehow, won't they?
Posted by: Kevin Baker at December 4, 2003 2:10 PM(c) Ravenwood and Associates, 1990 - 2014
