Cameras simply enforce the laws

In Illinois, the law is clear when it comes to right turns at red lights.

Motorists must come to a complete stop before turning. It is neither safe nor legally permissible for a driver to roll through a red light into an intersection to facilitate a right turn at a red light.

However, some critics are now attacking the use of red-light cameras to enforce this fundamental traffic regulation by suggesting that it is somehow both unfair and unjust to be ticketed for violating an improper red turn. Of course, if a police officer is physically present to observe this kind of violation, a citation would not only be appropriate, it would be expected. Reckless drivers should not be allowed to pick and choose which laws they obey, regardless of whether they are enforced by an officer or communities using red-light camera technology.

Rules governing right turns at red lights exist for an important reason. Traffic intersections are inherently dangerous, especially those that serve as a meeting point for busy thoroughfares. Pedestrians and motorists alike have a right to expect that all vehicles will come to a complete stop at a red light, regardless of whether they plan to turn right on red. Only then can pedestrians safely navigate the crosswalk without fear of being hit, and only then can cross traffic proceed unencumbered through a green light.

The Rules of the Road are designed to protect public safety. While they may seem inconvenient at times, they only achieve their desired impact if everyone respects them equally. Thus, the best way to avoid a citation from a camera or an officer is to obey the law. That means coming to a complete stop at a red light before turning right on red. Red-light cameras are not the problem; selfish, reckless drivers are.

Jimmy Lee

Deputy Police Chief, Roselle

Russell Laine

Chief of Police, Algonquin

Patrick Finlon

Chief of Police, Lake Zurich

John Payne

Director of Police Services, Villa Park

Ray Turano

Chief of Police, Warrenville