Won’t do anything to curb problem

Regarding the Thursday article, “Everett OKs red-light cameras”:

A huge public safety concern … that’s a quote from the City Council meeting regarding the need for cameras to monitor stop light runners in Everett. Running red lights is the third most popular sport in Everett after hockey and barking dogs, and no amount of cameras will cure the problem. Will a camera prevent the careless motorist from T-boning some innocent who proceeds through the intersection a little early? Only if the cameras come equipped with a hellfire missile that vaporizes the offender before he strikes the victim.

Let me tell you how to stop red light runners. Pick an intersection, say the one at 7th SE and Everett Mall Way. One day I watched for 15 minutes and at least one car ran the light every light cycle, about 90 seconds. One every 90 seconds. Place a cop in plain clothes on the intersection corner with a radio, when a car runs the light he radios a police officer in uniform stationed a block or so away to apprehend the offender. That way it goes on the driver’s driving record. Not enough police available? I don’t buy it. They are not that busy.

One recent Sunday morning I paused at the red light southbound on 7th SE and a patrol car pulled up in the left turn lane beside me. When the light turned green, a red Volkswagen ran the light heading west. I looked over at the officer so I could wait while he turned in front of me to pursue. My fantasy for sure. He turned left and sailed off to some other business. Forgive me for wanting justice instantly.

So save the three hundred grand or so a year, don’t put up cameras, use police officers. At least the visibility will have a deterrent effect on the honest folks.

Andrew Evich

Everett