Protesters Assemble To Fight Red Light Cameras

By aaroncynic in News on Feb 16, 2010 4:30PM

A few dozen protesters gathered at Addison and Western on Valentine's Day to shake their collective fists at the city's red light cameras. The protest was part of a larger nationwide effort to fight the spread of red light cameras by the Liberty Restoration Project. The Expired Meter reports the Chicago effort was spearheaded by Republican Scott Tucker, who is running for State representative in the 11th district. In an interview before the demonstration, Tucker told The Expired Meter “I think it’s a quality of life issue… it’s a tax presented as public safety.”

Opponents of red light cameras argue that they do not increase safety and are simply just another revenue building scheme for cities, who can collect easy money off violators. Several cities have already passed referendums banning them and opponents in Florida have even challenged the constitutionality of cameras, as it forces drivers to prove their innocence rather than their guilt. Supporters and officials however, maintain that red light cameras increase safety. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Brian Steele, a Chicago Department of Transportation spokesman said red light cameras are “first and foremost about safety.”

It's clear that both positions cannot equally be true and though the tide may be turning against automatic ticketing at red lights, legislative action is deadlocked. At present, a bill introduced by Senator Dan Duffy to ban red light cameras is being held up in committee.