All Hail the Almighty Dollar, Red Light Cameras Options

[Cutrara]

I'm not against red light cameras. In fact, I think they're a good idea. What could be bad about reducing thousands of accidents a year? In the eyes of Dallas officials eyes, reducing millions of dollars in fine revenue a year.

"Faced with data showing that drivers pay attention to cameras at intersections — resulting in fewer ticketable violations and ever-shrinking revenue from fines — municipalities across the country are reconsidering red light cameras, which often work too well."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23710970

Just goes to show how the world is driven by the bottom line.

[Supersprynt]

i think the excuse "but that wasn't me in the car!" is the worst excuse one can make. it doesnt matter if you were or were not. the car was issued to SOMEBODY and that person is responsible for the whereabouts of their car, whether or not whoever drives it is insured, and should be liable to any repercussions resulting from traffic fines.

It absolutely matters if you were in the car. The car doesn't get the ticket, you do. Individuals break laws, not cars.

Based upon the logic you've presented - someone can steal a car, use it as a get-away car in a bank robbery, and the plate caught on camera and have the owner arrested as an accomplice in a bank robbery.

Speed cameras are bull**** - unless it can be proven that it was you driving the car without a reasonable doubt you cannot bring judgment upon someone with an assumption. What happened to habeas corpus?

[forkee]

i think the excuse "but that wasn't me in the car!" is the worst excuse one can make. it doesnt matter if you were or were not. the car was issued to SOMEBODY and that person is responsible for the whereabouts of their car, whether or not whoever drives it is insured, and should be liable to any repercussions resulting from traffic fines.

It absolutely matters if you were in the car. The car doesn't get the ticket, you do. Individuals break laws, not cars.

Based upon the logic you've presented - someone can steal a car, use it as a get-away car in a bank robbery, and the plate caught on camera and have the owner arrested as an accomplice in a bank robbery.

Speed cameras are bull**** - unless it can be proven that it was you driving the car without a reasonable doubt you cannot bring judgment upon someone with an assumption. What happened to habeas corpus?

well, i mean, obviously if its stolen, it would be reported by the owner, or be placed at the scene of a crime, or have fingerprints, forced entry, etc. of course the owner would be questioned, but not accused of anything, especially when they can prove they were somewhere else when it happened. but im pretty sure 99% of intersection photos are NOT of get away cars.

think about it this way, if you lend someone a weapon because they cannot legally obtain one, and they go on a shooting rampage, you will be held partly responsible. Whether or not you were at the scene of the crime, u were the enabler.

if you show that you keep ur car in reasonable lockdown and not an easy invitation to get stolen (unlocked, keys on the visor, etc) i can guarantee you wont get into any trouble if it gets stolen and runs a redlight.

the police have to blame SOMEBODY and the car didnt just roll into the intersection by itself (although some do). of course they are gonna blame the person that registered it.

another example. if a car gets ticketed for parking illegally or at an expired parking meter, who gets the ticket? the registered owner. even if they let their kid drive it that day. or their dad. or mother in law. why?? because it's the owner's responsibility to be competent enough to be a safe driver and entrust no one else with their vehicle.