Kansas City was one of 11 cities targeted in the "National Red Light Protest," a rally against the red-light "scameras" sprouting up across the country. Protesters from the Liberty Restoration Project held signs as it snowed at the intersection of 39th and Southwest Trafficway. Looks like local photographer Eric Bowers contributed to this video and local Tracy Ward helped organize the protest.
The protesters aren't alone. St. Louis Sen. Jim Lembke is sponsoring Missouri Senate Bill 637, which would outlaw red-light cameras.
Showing 1-3 of 3
As a bike commuter who crosses several intersections each way on my daily trip, it's without a doubt in my mind that the panic induced in drivers by fear of getting "flashed" is creating a dangerous traffic situation. People slam on brakes or open full-throttle to avoid these things and if it's not already causing more accidents, I'd be surprised.
I wonder how many people accidentally ran red lights while looking over at the protesters wondering what their signs said.
Before people post a bunch of comments saying "just don't run red lights," let me get a few comments in. How many times have you been stuck in an intersection waiting on someone to turn or waiting on traffic to clear so you can turn yourself while the light changed? Should you be ticketed for that?
I've observed the cameras operation for several hours and they operate very inconsistently. Kansas City has had to shut down several intersections multiple times because they do not function properly.
The cameras were installed for one purpose only, revenue. Why would a company from Arizona come install 29 cameras at a cost of $80000 to $100000 per camera just to improve safety at Kansas City's intersections? KC pays American Traffic Solutions of Arizona $4500 per month per camera.
The cameras are placed along commuter routes and in low income neighborhoods so people who get the tickets will be less likely to challenge them in court. The fines are also purposely set low to discourage people from fighting them.
With the money KC is spending on the cameras, they could easily hire more police officers. Also, if City Hall is serious about safety, why don't they donate any profits they make from the cameras to the neighborhoods were the cameras are placed. I know the people in Roanoke/Wesport could have used some funds to hire their own snow removal since City Hall can't get it done.
like
dislike
