How exactly do speed cameras work? I know they have them all over in Britian. If one is going 56 MPH in a 55 MPH zone would I automatically get a ticket?I've seen websites that show speed cameras destroyed by vandals. There have to be some pretty angry folks out there to so some of the damage I have seen.
It is true that it is my job to defend myself but, if the quaint innocent-until-proven-guilty thingy applies...
If the camera is set to take a picture of you entering the intersection after the light turns red, it is not the same as the camera taking a picture of you merely being in the intersection when the light turns red.
About two years ago, someone I am close to was hit by a red light runner. They are now permanently disabled, cannot work, deeply in debt, and involved in multiple lawsuits.So yes, I have no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who will run a light, whatever their silly excuse.If it were up to me, I would replace red light cameras with spike strips that pop up into the road when the light turns red.
One of the underlying problems is the false notion that driving is a right, not a privilege. At least in Europe there is a public transportation system available so the bad drivers can't use the excuse they 'have to drive to get to work'. . . .
Most everyone here is a safe driver, we care about doing it right. The biggest concern seems to be safely stopping when the light turns yellow. It can be difficult to do the instantaneous computation of "how far am I from the stop line" and "how fast am I going"? It can get harder as we get older.Now, as I understand it and as clearly explained for the new cameras coming to St Pete, you will only be charged if you cross the line after the light turns red.So, while some of us might get caught and have to pay the price for miscalculating, we are not the ones that the cameras are there for.From my observations, it is not those moments of indecision that we have to be concerned with, it is the flagrant drivers who think their time is more valuable than someone else's or too busy not driving to pay attention.It is these folks we need the cameras for:Look at the second video (Missouri) at 2:45These are not people who misjudged the length of a caution light.http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=red+light+running&aq=f