Village de-activates Red-Light Camera….

The ongoing debat of whether Red-Light Intersection cameras actually help address Safety issues received some positive support this week.

Elk Grove Village,  IL has released a report showing crashs at one of the hottest intersections around has declined.  So much so they plan on deactiviating the camera to prove the point. 

This comes at a time when the opposition to these camera’s is hitting an all time high.   Cook County, IL  put in place a plan to make the camera’s more wide spread.  When opposition clearly was against the idea, a provision was put in place for Villages to “Opt Out”.  That list continues to grow.

Two organizations have stepped up their efforts in addressing this:

BAN the Cams   &  Campaign for Liberty

It will be interesting to watch these Groups continue to make efforts in voicing their position, especially during Election Campaigns.   You know the policital hawks are circling looking for voters to support their canidates.   And at this junction any group looks ripe for the picking.  

What is curious the debate ranges on if Safety is accomplished or $100+ fine is too automatic, no real compromising solutions have come to the table.   For example:  are the lease agreements with the providers too long?  (Some are 5 years)  Is the $100+ fine to much? [clearly in these times yes]

From a business point the payment actually pays for the equipment and monitoring services (which the municipal recieves a portion) which inturn generates funds which is badly needed.   And yes, the debate over the distribution of portions is hottely contested between Boards and Vendors.  Would anyone consider “lowering” the ticket to say $50 or even $25 if the data shows over a “short period” of time Safety has improved?

Some of you jump the gun and say “NO” deactivate them period.  I find that hard to swallow from a Group so bent on Liberty issues you quickly forget part of your responsibilities to the WHOLE is paying for services you take for granted:  Police/Fire/Emergence/Water/Streets/etc…  

Have or have not should not be the only choices, compromise is the basis of a democracy.  That is the underlining theme we must adhere to