N.J. lawmaker pushes for end to red light-camera systems
A state lawmaker wants to ban those red light cameras in use in some cities and towns in New Jersey
Sen. Michael Doherty says the cameras are just a way for local governments to make more money and believes there’s no evidence they’re making the roads safer.
“It’s actually putting fear into drivers,” said Doherty, R-Washington. “They’re spending more time looking up at the cameras than paying attention to the traffic coming the other way.”
In Glassboro, one of the towns using the red light-camera system, police Chief Alex Fanfarillo says they are effective.
“We’ve seen quite a substantial decrease in accidents in the past couple of years,” he said. “I would have to believe that the installation of the camera is what prompted this decrease.”
Doherty has introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities without red light cameras from installing them. Contracts for the cameras already in place could not be renewed when they expire, under his proposal.
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