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In the justifications where I do the bulk of my driving, there is clear signage indicating that the intersection the driver is approaching has photo red light enforcement. The presence of "speed snitch" photo radar vans is also clearly indicated by signs placed sufficient distance ahead to allow a driver who actually notices the signs to bring his or her vehicle down to the posted speed limit.
I've heard and read of the controversies concerning red light cameras. The dilemma is that the more effective they are in their stated purpose -- to reduce red light running and in so doing the frequency of collisions in the intersections -- the less cost effective they are. Fewer tickets, less revenue. But law enforcement costs money, whether it's automated or not. So long as there is honest, evenhanded enforcement -- no tweaking the duration of the yellow caution light, for instance -- I'm cool with it.
As to laws existing mostly to generate revenue for the enforcement agencies, I save my scorn for civil forfeiture, wherein personal assets are seized without criminal convictions. It provides the agencies with a strong incentive to emphasize enforcement of certain laws, which inevitably leaves less attention paid to others. And, as convictions aren't necessary, it also does nothing to discourage sloppy police work. Hey! We don't need a conviction to score this Mercedes! So let's not bother with all the legal niceties.
I've heard and read of the controversies concerning red light cameras. The dilemma is that the more effective they are in their stated purpose -- to reduce red light running and in so doing the frequency of collisions in the intersections -- the less cost effective they are. Fewer tickets, less revenue. But law enforcement costs money, whether it's automated or not. So long as there is honest, evenhanded enforcement -- no tweaking the duration of the yellow caution light, for instance -- I'm cool with it.
As to laws existing mostly to generate revenue for the enforcement agencies, I save my scorn for civil forfeiture, wherein personal assets are seized without criminal convictions. It provides the agencies with a strong incentive to emphasize enforcement of certain laws, which inevitably leaves less attention paid to others. And, as convictions aren't necessary, it also does nothing to discourage sloppy police work. Hey! We don't need a conviction to score this Mercedes! So let's not bother with all the legal niceties.