Letter: Traffic cameras help combat unsafe driving

First: Several articles reporting about the recent battle over a controversial red-light camera in Oakbrook Terrace asserted that such cameras sometimes increase the possibility of an accident rather than serving as a deterrent to unsafe driving. In all of the articles, these assertions were made without any further explanation as to exactly how a red-light camera could be a safety hazard.

It seems that's an important bit of information, because the other argument against red-light cameras - that they are primarily revenue generators and not safety devices - is a weak one in my opinion.

Governments at all levels are constantly looking for funding sources. The money generated by red-light cameras comes from lawbreakers, some of whom will surely be more careful after being ticketed. Those who don't learn from being ticketed will continue to pay fine after fine. What's bad about that?

Reckless driving, including speeding and "pushing" red lights, has increased noticeably in recent years. Without a credible explanation for why red-light cameras are harmful, they should continue to be used to curb (or at least punish) unsafe driving.

Next: Whenever I drive the ramp from Jane Addams Tollway that leads onto the I-190 access to O'Hare Airport, there are cars parked on the shoulder just before toll Plaza 31 in flagrant violation of numerous signs stipulating "No Stopping, No Standing, No Parking." Presumably, the drivers are waiting to pick up people on arriving flights, even though there is a convenient cellphone lot on airport grounds where ample free parking is available.

This shoulder parking is very unsafe. On several occasions, I've witnessed near misses from cars pulling out from the shoulder into passing traffic. Why is there no enforcement here? Will it take a tragedy before Illinois State Police act to stop this reckless practice?

Bob Dohn

Hoffman Estates