Red Light Cameras - Trolling for Trouble

NYT Article shows the flaws in our red light cameras

Be sure to check to see if red light cameras in your area are tinkering with the duration of the yellow lights. Generally, it should be 3 seconds. Companies installing the red light cameras have been found trying to decrease the time in order to generate more revenues for the camera operator and the municipality.

For example, in Charlotte, NC, the number of accidents at intersections has gone down less than one percent. The number of rear-end accidents has gone up 15 percent.

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Posted on: June 8, 2008 01:20 PM

I don't know where you came up with 3 seconds for a yellow phase?

The 1976 ITE Handbook recommended up to 5.2 seconds for a 45-50 mph intersection.

You travel 66fpm at 45 mph. 3 seconds gives you less than 200 ft. to recognize and react to a yellow.

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