I was disappointed to read that the Everett City Council has voted to install red-light cameras (“Traffic cameras get the green light from city council,” The Herald, April 7). According to the article the plan is to extract $1.375 million in fines with a net to the city of $208,000. So, the city is using its right to fine drivers for traffic violations to collect over $1 million to send to a for-profit out of state entity. It seems odd to me that the government is taking money out of our local economy to provide revenue to a private company. Also, $208,000 is about 15 percent of the gross. If a charity collects contributions with 85 percent going to administration and 15 percent going to the beneficiaries of the charity, they would be considered a scam. How is this any different?
The second argument for the cameras is safety. A quick Google search provides information that these cameras do not significantly improve driver or pedestrian safety. This is a weak argument provided by politicians to justify a new source of revenue. If there is a particular problem at the six intersections identified, why not assign a police patrol car to rotate between those places? I am sure sufficient tickets could be issued to cover the cost and to improve safety.
One of the council members is quoted saying a red-light camera changed her driving behavior. My reaction was more drastic. I received a school-zone violation in the mail a few years back from Lynnwood for exceeding 20 MPH while children are present. The photo they sent clearly showed the street was absent of any pedestrians. When trying to dispute the fine, I was unable to reach anyone at the company administering the program. My reaction has been to avoid Lynnwood whenever possible (movies, restaurants, stores). I am sure they have lost more revenue than my fine. I suspect the same will happen in Everett.
Private companies do not belong in law enforcement. It is a vital role that should only be carried out by government whose mission is public safety, not profit.
Jerry Dawson
Everett
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