Letter: Are traffic cameras for safety or money?

The city of Oakbrook Terrace has a technical marvel, a right turn on red camera that generates megadollars for the township, yet many wonder are the safety and streets better off, or does the revenue exceed common sense for the city leaders and concerned staff?

These highly powerful cameras "see" many areas and have pinpoint accuracy. The city of Oakbrook Terrace has had several meetings regarding the use of such devices, yet no date has been set for its specific extended service or removal date. What is clear is that the City Council of OBT and leading public officials remain mum on final word of its usage.

Also, these cameras are in use at various other locations in Illinois, generating revenue for their municipalities.

Another area of concern is the city of Chicago where CPD uses the same type of device andh brings in substantial dollars. All in all, the use of this technical marvel is great for accuracy and revenue, are there any studies that incorporate proof of reduced traffic problems and/or improved conditions besides bringing in substantial revenue, otherwise known as "cash cows for politicians"?

No input usually means keep the cash flowing, yet the true need for the modern marvel remains a mystery - or could that really be the reason for its usage. Translated might be a lot of money, little proof of reliable data, but keep the public guessing.

Richard J. White

Elmhurst