Reasons to fret over red light cameras

The red-light camera program is interesting: At first view it appears to be a public safety program so motorists will pay closer attention to driving details. Then come the questions no one appears interested in answering:

- If public safety is a goal, what happens to the red-light camera data data/digital pictures connected to a driver license number, car registration number and license plate number?

- Who has access to the data, how is access granted and for what length of time?

- Most important, what happens to the data? Is it reused for secondary purposes?

- Did the people whose data reside inside outsourced companies' computer systems give permission for the secondary usage? Secondary purposes could include: marketing, state statistics or a host of miscellaneous uses.

- How long the data is held? How secure is the area/building? Can an outsourced company employee take home a laptop with personal data?

- Is the data protected from Internet hackers who might be inclined to steal identities?

- What types of security are used for the computers/cameras that hold personal data? * Are the outsourced companies licensed, bonded; are their products measured for quality outcomes?

- Who provides oversight to these companies?

There are other questions: How were the sites for the cameras chosen? The highest vehicle accident-prone intersections? Where are the laws/ordinances posted that allow red-light camera activities? What responsibility does the community government have for the red-light camera activities? If allocated tax dollars paid for the red-light camera activities, does the public have a vote on these activities?

In the case of red-light camera activities, communication is missing. The entire process seems shrouded in mystery. Until someone's identity is stolen or there is a scandal related to the data, it appears we will have to continue to worry.

Audrey E Dickerson

Lombard