Traffic light cameras take the fairness out of cops versus robbers

[1 Comment(s)]

By Chris Shearman

For those of you who have not received that envelope in the mail with a picture of you running a red light with a small fee at the bottom, it could happen soon enough. More of these cameras are being put up all over town, taking the responsibility of justice out of the hands of humans and into the hands of robots.

The issue is not that laws are bad. Goodness gracious, traffic laws make more sense than many others, especially with the drivers in Baton Rouge and the amplitude of people and construction. The issue is that if I get caught speeding or running a red light, I at least want a human to catch me. If I get pulled over for running a red light, I cannot argue. At that point I am getting my insurance out and calling the number to see what my fine is. But to receive a piece of mail with a picture of a car running a light with a fine at the bottom - it's almost humorous, but it's also infuriating.

How about the fact that on Perkins, between Siegen and Bluebonnet, there are traffic cameras on every light, and the lights are not synchronized? This is ludicrous. If that is not an intentional trap, I don't know what is. At least sync the lights so when one turns green if I go the speed limit to the next one it will be green too. C'mon boys!

So, what is the solution? Well how about for starters, take the cameras down and let us get back to the old school way of letting the cops do what they are hired to do: catch law breakers.

On top of that, there is no worse feeling than thinking you are being watched all the time. Most of us have read the Orwell novel "1984," but most of us also think that such a totalitarian society will not exist in our time. Well wake up and smile for the camera, because when you are riding in your car to go see a friend for some hang time, you are being watched and photographed.

It is no surprise that the traffic camera veto got shot down in May because it's a great moneymaker. The truth is this: traffic cameras are a sleazy way to make money, and they are an infringement on our right to not be photographed while we drive.

Originally Published: Issue 809 - July 15, 2009

Share on Facebook

Back to the top