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Southern California -- this just in
Anaheim voters to be asked whether to ban red-light cameras
November 2, 2010 | 6:51 am
Voters in the city of Anaheim on Tuesday will be asked whether to ban red-light cameras, putting the Orange County city in the forefront of the debate over the devices.
Measure K would prohibit the Anaheim City Council "from enacting an ordinance which would permit or authorize any red light camera or other automated traffic enforcement system," according to the city's analysis.
There are no red light cameras in Anaheim. Backers of the measure fear that red-light cameras would be used to generate extra revenue for the city and question whether they improve safety. Mayor Curt Pringle is among those backing Measure K.
Critics, however, say a flat-out ban on the camera is not a good idea.
"The automated traffic enforcement systems used today need to be redesigned to correct their many operational problems and especially their abusive use by some cities to raise city revenue," said the ballot argument against Measure K. "However, future generations of these traffic systems, as with most electronic systems, could be improved and designed to make significant contributions to traffic safety without allowing them to be used primarily as a means to increase government revenue. Soon these systems may be perfected so their traffic safety benefits will far outweigh any detrimental financial effects to the public."
Red-light violations accounted for nearly 40% of the 2,397 accidents at Anaheim intersections between 2007 and 2009. In all, there were 12,858 traffic accidents during that period.
Dozens of California cities have turned to automated photo enforcement systems in recent years to monitor dangerous intersections around the clock. Supporters say the cameras discourage red-light running, free up patrol officers for other duties and provide a welcome boost to government coffers.
--Shelby Grad
Photo credit: Associated Press
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