Update - Fort Lauderdale red light cameras

The problem still is with smaller municipalities like Hallandale, Hollywood, Aventura, and Pembroke Pines, to name a few, who are cashing big on citations issued for "failing to come to a complete stop before making a right turn".

 

My friend got one which was mailed to his leasing company for some reason. He was unaware of the ticket so he got another one at the same intersection. The fine was greatly increased the second time around. He received both citations by mail at the same time. He rolled through a right turn on red in Hallandale Beach.

 

I work in Sunrise now, I stop then turn right,
why chance it? This sucks. Guy almost hit me
when I stopped.It's not as bad in Miami.....yet.

 

Why cant all the graffiti artists and gangs just use paintball guns on them as a way of tagging their territory.

 

This is bad news: it is prone to be abused by the municipalities that are hungry for cash.
It takes away the right we all had that a motorist had to be notified by an officer if he or she committed an infraction.

WE CAN ALL THANK CHARLIE CRIST FOR SIGNING THIS INTO LAW.

REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE !!

 

They put their foot in the door and it becomes accepted
that they have the right to put surveillence cameras at
every intersection in the name of safety.

What they don't tell you is they lessen the time the yellow
light is showing by 1-2 seconds which greatly increases
the chances of being tagged running a red light.

Knowing this, motorists are more apt to stop short
to avoid a ticket but the risks of rear end collisions
increase greatly.

What they don't tell you is much of the increased public
revenues they're raising isn't going to road maintenence,
new highways, etc. Oh, no. Much of these revenues are paying
to private projects such as college museums and in some
instances churches et.al.

In other words, more corporate welfare extorted from
private citizens to help fund non-public entities.

RM

 

I think you mean wealth redistribution.

 

I suggest we start a new thread: WHICH IS THE BEST LICENSE PLATE BLOCKER?

 

I would encourage everyone to fight each and every ticket to the bitter end. Kill them with disclosure. If we fight hard enough, I bet we could force them to deliver the actual camera to the court, as well as all software and hardware designs, calibration records, etc.

Make it so expensive for them to keep these up that they take them down. Also, vote the bastards out next election.

 

The known fact is, these devices are in to make revenue, and not to promote safety.
While the majority, if not all of us in this forum, do not approve running red lights, nor encourage beaking traffic laws, there is a line between what's called obeying the law, and driving ridiculously cautious, which is as dangerous, if not worse.
This last example can be witnessed in full scale in the winter, during snowbird (ooops !!) season. Places like Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, are heaven's paradise for these folks, who in many cases, don't even realize they are crawling at 20 mph at night with their lights off, or when "accidentally" hit the gas instead of the brake, smashing everything and everyone in their way. Yet they get away in court just because they are part of the golden age gang and (yes), judges feel compassionate. Sorry, but when it's time to give up your driving you have to do it.
County Judges these days seem to be a bit under pressure from their municipalities, when it comes to dismissing traffic tickets. The revenue needs to come in. So one can have an arsenal of proof of "not guilty", but the chances these judges will rule on your favor are very, very slim. This is when a good, competent attorney comes in. Welcome Mark G. and some, (I mean some) others who really know how to handle these yellow papers in court. Although it's very hard that you walk away without paying court fees, these guys will almost guarantee no points on your record, something our beloved insurance company is eagerly waiting to see and jack your rate as quick as Lebron's change of mind.
However, and here is my question to Mark and others: Red light camera tickets are not issued as uniform traffic citations (yellow), but rather as city violation, such as for instance, a parking ticket. In order to be a Florida Uniform Traffic Violation, according to Florida Statue 316 and 318, an officer must witness and write the infraction.
The new state law which took effect July 1, states red lights as "legal" to use by municipalities.
How will this new law applies to, or affects Codes 316 and 318?

 

A state trooper lives in my development.

Yesterday,I was behind him and he had the unmarked car and didnt come to a full stop when he came to the red light when pulling out to make a right on red.
Bet if someone else had done it, they would have gotten hit with a ticket.

I agree that they should increase the time between the one light turning red and the next one turning green, or increase the yellow by a few more seconds. Most people sometimes get caught in the middle and are unsure of they can make it through the light on time.

However, it takes less time for a car to stop from 60-0 than it takes to go from 0-60 but most people think that they wont be ableto stop and be in the middle of the intersection, so they give it gas in order to try to make it through.

A guy I know almost got killed because he stopped when the light turned yellow and the truck that was behind him rammed into him. The truck driver said something to the effect that since it was a sports car, he automatically figured that the driver would try to beat the light.

 

The duration of the yellow light is a good point: right now there is no rule, as far as I know.
Some lights have a reasonable duration, while others switch to red in a blink of an eye.
Of course the temptation will run high to reduce the duration of the yellow light, so to trap more victims and get more revenue.

 

I haven't even noticed these here, where are they mostly?

 

FWIW, the cameras do work. Most lights were they are, are clearly posted, and accident reductions of 33% have been reported.

In Boca, in season, I often count 4-5 cars running the left turn signal after it is clearly red. Where all those retirees are in a rush to get to, I don't know.

It is true that in Arizona - where these systems first started, they did determine that they could drastically increase BOTH the number of rear end collisions and red-light violations by lowering the yellow light timing by 2 seconds. That was a TEST not a real world scenario. I am not aware of any reported case where a municipality intentionally decreased yellow light length in an effort to increase revenue (or accidents).

I recently discussed this situation with a high ranking Boca Police official and they are taking the opposite tack - increasing the "non-enforcement period" (the leeway that drivers who almost made the light get) particularly for right turns. While you no longer have to come to a complete stop, if you are going 10 mph as you blast through you are still getting the ticket and on the 5 or 6 intersections where they are testing the system they will be keeping or increasing the yellow light timing.

They, like many municipalities, and myself, look at it as a way to decrease accidents and promote safe driving without increasing the amount of police manpower delegated to traffic patrols. Particularly during a period of fairly massive cutbacks.

FWIW, if the light is RED stop. If you can't figure that out stop whining and PLEASE stop driving, at least while I am on the road.

Now, I am more than happy to help anyone fight a ticket that they did not deserve, but if you get tagged running a red light camera - most give you a fair amount of leeway - and you will most likely be found guilty. Smile for the cameras boys, smile for the cameras.

Sorry if you disagree, but deem is da facts.

Scottie

 

My point is, excatly as you have stated, they do not increase safety, they are designed to generate revenue. The purpose of government is not to generate revenue at the expense of safety, it is (a whole other topic). But traffic laws are supposed to be designed to increase safety and promote the flow of traffic. These cameras fail on both counts.

By fighting each and every ticket, we can make it expensive enough that it doesn't generate revenue and they give up on the system. I do not expect to win each (or even any) case, just make it as expensive as possible for the municipality. I would also like to see lawsuits against the cities for accidents near the cameras.

I do agree the licensing requirements should be a LOT tougher, and seniors, who biologically become worse drivers, should be tested more often, and teens should have more restrictions........

 

I hear what you say Scottie, but I have a really hard time buying your theory.
These cameras are there for one reason only and that is to generate revenue.
Our uniformed law enforcement officers are the least concerned with traffic safety and our well being: for them it is just a job and the cameras are the new found way to generate mo' money.
Tomorrow there will be something else and so on.

Case in point: whatever happened to the HOV lanes that were supposed to reduce traffic , fuel consumption, pollution, etc. etc. by providing an incentive for people to share rides ?
They have all disappered, virtualy overnight and are being replaced by "pay as you go express lanes", in the name of what??
Traffic safety? Reduced pollution? Reduced fuel consumption?
No: they are there to generate revenue and they are coming up everywhere, like mushrooms after the rain.
So they cannot tell us the cameras are there for any other reason but to generate revenue.

 

By the way, since we are in election time, if you want to know who approved the 595
Pay-as-you-go Express Lanes Megaproject that is underway now, it was Charlie Crist again.

 

I had one! I guess I need to put it back on!!!

I got one in the mail TODAY!

I was turning right on red into the side entrance of my neighborhood!!!

"This is a non-criminal infraction of state law. No points will be assessed and the violation may not be used to set motor vehicle insurance rates." THEN WHY ASSESS IT OTHER THAN TO SQUEEZE MONEY OUT OF ME?! I am so f-ing mad right now.

Here's the info from violationinfo.com, which was on my ticket...
"Most Asked Questions
Q: What is the City of Winter Springs Intersection Safety Program?
A: This is an Intersection Safety Program in which the City of Winter Springs utilizes state-of-the-art digital cameras and Violation detection systems for the purpose of decreasing Violations of the traffic control regulations and reducing collisions. Please be aware that a vehicle may not be present in an intersection when the traffic control light is in the red phase. In the absence of a right turn on red restriction, a vehicle may make a right turn on the red, but only after making a complete stop, and assuring that it is safe to proceed.
Q: How do Red Light Cameras work?
A: Red Light Cameras: Each intersection is outfitted with a high-resolution high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection. The cameras are activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which document the Violation. The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light. All intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The City of Winter Springs Police Department reviews every Violation before the Notice Of Violation is issued. A Notice of Violation contains an image of a violating vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate of the vehicle.
Q: Why did I receive a Notice of Violation?
A: A Notice of Violation for a Red Light Infraction is issued when your vehicle fails to stop at a clearly marked stop line or at any other stopping point described in the ordinance when facing a steady circular red signal.
Q: What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?
A: The registered owner of a vehicle will be mailed the Notice of Violation.

The registered owner may submit information and supporting documentation to that effect by mailing an Affidavit that is downloadable from the link at the bottom of this website. It is recommended the affidavit be received eight (8) days prior to the due date of your Notice in order to avoid issuance of a Uniform Traffic Citation resulting in a higher fine and potential court appearance. If an Owner furnishes satisfactory evidence pursuant to the paragraph below and your affidavit complies with the requirements of Florida Statute § 316.0083, your violation will be dismissed. When naming another person as the driver; A Uniform Traffic Citation will be issued to the person identified in the evidence as the operator of the motor vehicle at the time of the Violation.

SUBMISSION OF AFFIDAVIT: As the registered owner of the vehicle, you are deemed responsible for the violation and the payment of a $158.00 penalty unless, in compliance with Florida Statute § 316.0083(1)(d)1.a-d, you establish by a sworn affidavit that a statutory exemption applies. The exemptions are that the motor vehicle: (a) passed through the intersection in order to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle or as part of a funeral procession; (b) passed through the intersection at the direction of a law enforcement officer; (c) was, at the time of the violation, in the care, custody, or control of another person; or (d) a UTC was issued by a law enforcement officer to the driver of the motor vehicle for the violation of Florida Statute § 316.074(1) and § 316.075(1)(c)1 stated in this Notice. The affidavit must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths.
Q: What is the amount of the fine? Is there a late fee?
A: The owner of a motor vehicle is liable for payment of a statutory penalty of $158.00. There are no points assessed for this Notice of Violation. If a Uniform Traffic Citation is issued additional fees may be imposed by the clerk of courts."

 

Is there anything out there that really works?
It seems to me that since these red light cameras do not use the flash anymore, the traditional plate cover that produces a glare when hit by the flash, is pretty much useless.
Does anyone have any info on this?

 

Drivers elsewhere in the region have found themselves unwittingly receiving tickets based on the cameras by making a rolling right turn on red. Sgt. Frank Sousa, spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, said that won’t be the case in the city.

“We will review violations, and if the driver acted in a careful and prudent manner, then they will not receive a violation,” he said.



8/17/10: An article on today's Sun Sentinel talks about other municipalities (Hallandale included) soon to follow this practice. Question to Mr. Souza and small cities PDs involved:
What criteria will be used used to determine if a driver "acted in a careful and prudent manner"?
Will the decision to issue a citation be made based on each municipality's criteria or officer's mood on that particular day?

I find this very vague and shallow. Another trick to fool the masses.

 

The cameras in Fort Lauderdale only monitor certain lanes in certain directions.

A 0.9 Neutral Density filter should prevent a RLC from capturing your plate. It will be dark, but it should work. I think Mythbusters did a segment on their show about this.

 

'We will review violations...."

Yeah, and Lady Gaga is going to give me a sponge bath....

 

Of course they will have rotating shifts of dozens of trained analysts, pouring over the millions of photos to determine who was prudent and who was not, all withing the parameters of the law.
That was the real intention of the law: invent the red light camera picture analyst job.