One way to delete red light cameras
Intersection traffic cameras are replacing live police officers at an alarming rate. Heavy fines are being assessed for what most people would consider minor infractions.
That is because most of the citations are issued to motorists making a "sloppy" right turn on red. They may only be a foot or two over the white pavement line, but they're being treated the same as those who run the light and drive straight through. The fine is generally similar in both instances.
Most right-turn-on-red motorists are merely trying to get a better view of cross traffic coming from their right. They're attempting to be safe. Issuing them a citation is bureaucratic stupidity at its worst.
Obviously, the real goal is to generate income. What's next? Laying off traffic control officers because village boards think the "robot cameras" can replace them?
Motorists in Bolingbrook and Schaumburg protested against cameras covering right turns and some cameras were deactivated.
What is a driver's best weapon? Simple - economic boycott. The thousands of people who have been issued citations by right-turn cameras can fight back by ceasing all economic activity in any community that ticketed them. Purchase nothing there. No food, clothing or gas - nothing. Even if it's your town. After all, why would you want to shop there? You'll only get another $100 ticket.
Spend your cash in a more "user-friendly" community. This will turn chambers of commerce against village boards who have installed such cameras. If businesses start to close due to lack of customers, the annoying cameras will soon disappear.
Richard W. Smelter
Cary