No More Red Light Cameras? Here's What New Port Richey is Saying

Since we told you last week about a bill under consideration by the Florida House of Representatives that would strike down the use of red light cameras, Patch readers have had plenty to say on the topic.

Our story, Red Light Cameras: Should They Stay or Go?, received more than 120 comments as of Tuesday night. Here's what some New Port Richey Patch readers had to say:

Jimmy James

I think those cameras are put up at high accident locations....

When I see one in the distance I check my speed and stop on yellow rather than chance an infraction, same as seeing a cop car close-by,
 
Michael Malterer:

Before you answer the question of wether or not they should go you have to ask "What is the purpose of these cameras?" If the purpose is to make money then of course you should have them. They don't bring in as much money as municipalities would like but nonetheless its some.

If the purpose is to make us safer then no, you shouldn't have them. They do nothing to make us safe. In fact, according to the USF study they cause more accidents.
 
Zoobiedood:

If the entire car is past the white line when the light is red, you get a ticket. If it is yellow when the front of the car is past the white line, and then it turns red, you don't. In other words, you don't have to slam on the brakes if the light turns yellow when you are close to the intersection. Learn the law, and never get a ticket.

Rob Marlowe:

"I had a lot more sympathy for the folks getting camera tickets before I was hit by a red light runner last September. It is a shame there wasn't a camera to catch the lady who clipped the back of my car and then kept going like a bat out of hell down the street. The light had changed easily three seconds before she blew into the intersection, horn blowing, and hit me. Some folks drive like they own the roads and I believe they deserve every ticket they get.

If you don't want to get a ticket, the solution is simple. Hang up and pay attention to your driving."

Jim Slaughter:

"If the true purpose is to cut down on red light running, then the cameras are NOT the answer as statistics show MORE accidents WITH them! 

The answer is to stage all traffic signals. The green light starts blinking about 4 seconds before it turns yellow and then the yellow starts blinking about 5-6 seconds before turning red. The combination of blinks lets the driver know that the red light is imminent! I've seen this is Europe and it works great and is CHEAP to do...only a matter of programming the signals. 
Unfortunately, it doesn't make money which I am convinced is the REAL reason for the red light cameras."


Paul Zalon:

"Red light tickets should only be allowed if the driver of the vehicle is definitly identified. It is the drivfer who should get the ticket not the owner of the vehicle. The owner of a car, if not driving, is no more guilty than if he or she owns a hammer and if someone else uses it to hit someone."

Carole:

"The studies speak for themselves that the cameras are dangerous. I've always wondered why the green or yellow light couldn't flash to make you aware the light is getting ready to change colors. When you have multiple vehicles and multiple drivers under one roof, knowing who was driving the vehicle weeks after a violation would be difficult to determine. This brings up a very distasteful constitutional issue of guilt - who was really behind the wheel. We have noticed them going off when no one was even present to go through the light. The system is not aimed at correcting anything in my opinion."

Do you agree? Should red light cameras be banned in Florida? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments section below to continue the conversation.