I want to step onto my libertarian soap box for a minute and point out a study on red light cameras. The study shows that "safety" may not be the goal of some communities installing red light cameras. Many local governments have begun to realize that millions of dollars can be raised from these cameras, and decreasing the number of violations actually jeopardizes that revenue stream. In fact, the study finds that at many intersections, yellow lights are actually shortened so that the camera can be more profitable. Until red light cameras came along, the time tested method of reducing red light infractions had always been to increase the length of the yellow light. This gives motorists in the "dilemma" zone the chance to proceed through the light safely.

Proponents of red light cameras are quick to point to statistics of intersections with decreased violations as a measure of good results. However, there is usually no mention of the whether or not rear end collisions at these intersections has increased. An Australian study showed that motorists are often so afraid to run the red lights with cameras equipped, that they make abrupt, unsafe stops at intersections increasing the number of rear end collisions. The study goes on to show that while camera enforcement may cut down on the number of violations, the number of rear end collisions increases.

Another fact that is usually kept from the public is how the cameras are paid for. In many instances, private companies actually pay to install and maintain cameras in exchange for a percentage of the revenue. Those companies recognize just how profitable these cameras can be, and are willing to invest heavily in them. This presents a huge conflict of interest for politicians who are campaigning in the name of "safety".

Basically, this all comes down to a question of intent. If your intention is to increase safety and reduce accidents at intersections, increasing yellow light times remains the tried and true method. If your intention is to protect a revenue stream and pad your local budgets using red light cameras, then decreasing the number of violations is actually counterproductive. Not to mention the right to due process considerations.