Cameras to catch red-light runners trigger strong arguments
Critics of a plan to set up cameras to catch red-light runners say it’s a sneaky ploy to line government coffers. Supporters insist the devices would save lives, reduce serious injuries and make intersections safer for pedestrians.
Both sides made passionate arguments Tuesday at a hearing on a push by some city lawmakers to seek state permission to install red-light cameras.
Some city officials who back the effort insist public safety is their main motivation. But they’re not shy about touting the additional revenue that would pour into City Hall. Depending on whose estimates one believes, Buffalo could raise anywhere from $3.5 million to $8 million each year if cameras caught reckless motorists at high-volume intersections.
“This is a money grab,” said Tom Ragan at a hearing sponsored by the Council’s Legislation Committee.
If the city needs more revenue, he argued, officials should find other strategies.
“The citizens of Buffalo don’t like to be lied to,” Ragan said.
But North Buffalo resident Richard Wolf underscored the dangers that red-light runners pose to seniors citizens, people with young children and other pedestrians.
“If it’s about a money grab, I can’t think of a better group of people to grab money from,” Wolf said.
Representatives from the Parkside Community Association said the problems are particularly bad in their neighborhood. Executive Director Kathleen Peterson urged the city to launch a pilot project to assess the initiative, assuming the State Legislature approves the plan.
Justin Booth, a high-profile advocate for local bicyclists and pedestrians, said Buffalo doesn’t have enough police officers to effectively enforce traffic laws. He believes red-light cameras would be one tool to help cut down on reckless driving.
“Intersection safety is the biggest issue,” he said.
But opponents cited studies showing that the devices can actually cause an increase in the number of rear-end collisions. They added that some cities and states have banned the cameras.
Buffalo resident Doug Miller said until the city reduces the number of unnecessary traffic signals and improves their synchronization, officials should shelve the red-light camera plan. Installing “smart cameras” at “stupid traffic lights” would be unfair to motorists, Miller argued.
Others raised a fairness issue about a plan that would see the owner of the vehicle slapped with a ticket even if the owner wasn’t behind the wheel at the time. A city attorney said there would be a mechanism for contesting such fines.
The Common Council could vote on a resolution asking the state to move forward with the program when city lawmakers meet Tuesday.
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