Cameras easy way to tax motorists

I am glad that the Daily Herald is covering the issue of "red-light cameras." Many of the cameras in the U.S. are sold by Redflex - an Australian-based company that also installs cameras in the U.K. and other parts of Europe. The camera manufacturers typically install and manage the camera operation - taking a substantial payment upfront and a percentage of the revenue from ongoing operations. The villages and towns that install the cameras simply cash monthly checks that often exceed $50,000 per camera.

This is an easy way to tax motorists without much accountability. Anyone who complains can be labeled as a scofflaw, anti-road safety or worse. Needless to say, the camera manufacturers arm their customers with plenty of reasons and statistics to show why the cameras are needed. I am impressed that Schaumburg, sadly alone among the suburbs, has the courage and honesty to admit that they made a mistake and decommissioned the cameras. Bravo Schaumburg!

Rick Weber

Arlington Heights