Politics & Government

Red Light Cameras: Do They Help or Hurt?

As local jurisdictions look to restart red light programs, Fairfax City Council installs fewer new cameras than proposed because of costs. Do you think the cameras can curb violations?

By Jessie Biele

Last week, the Fairfax City Council decided to install fewer new red-light cameras than originally proposed.

The cost-saving measure involves installing three new red-light cameras at Chain Bridge Road/Rte. 123 and Eaton Place, Fairfax Boulevard and Plantation Parkway, and at Pickett Road and Main Street.

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The initial proposal involved installing cameras at five intersections. But, Chief Rick Rappoport said adding so many new cameras meant he felt the department would need an additional full-time employee just to manage the processing for the subsequent violations, as on average, 92 percent of violations red-light cameras catch result in someone — usually a motor officer — having to issue a ticket.

Chief Rappoport said the additional “motor officer” would cost the City roughly $110,000 in total, when you consider an officer’s salary, benefits, vehicle and other necessary equipment.

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Costs versus benefit is also something Fairfax County weighed in March, when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced it would explore the option of re-installing red light cameras in the County. The program reduced violations by 45 percent during its first run a decade ago.

Fairfax City Patch readers had mixed feelings about the decision on the Fairfax City Patch Facebook page.

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“I can't tell you how many times someone has almost plowed into me because I stop sooner for intersections with the cameras,” reader Brian Laccone said.

Reader Janice Miller said for that reason, the cameras don’t do much — because people willl speed to get by them.

“People almost rear-end you when you slow for yellow or stop for red -- cameras don't seem to matter. People drive too fast,” she wrote.

What do you think of the Council’s decision? Should there be more red-light cameras in the City of Fairfax  - and in Fairfax County? Are they worth the cost? Tell us in the comments below.


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