Red Lights

BY DANIEL CUMMING
STAFF WRITER
THE CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE

Local governments would be allowed to use cameras to catch drivers that run red lights under a bill sponsored by Sen. John Watkins, R-Goochland.

The bill, SB871, has already passed in the Senate and will be sent to the House of Delegates for voting there.

If it passes the House, localities would be able to install cameras at some traffic signals to take pictures of the license plates of cars that go through red lights so that a ticket can be issued through the mail.

"People don't understand, whenever you have an accident [in an intersection] you tie up the traffic in both directions," Watkins said.

A fine for $50 would be sent in the mail to the registered owner of an offending vehicle, but no points would be added to the owner's license because it would not be a criminal charge.

Goochland Sheriff Jim Agnew could only think of four intersections with traffic signals in Goochland, but said he likes the idea of the cameras.

"Anything we can do to make things safer I think most law enforcement officers are for it," Agnew said.

Even though a picture of a license plate is not enough for criminal charges, the fine should be "enough to deter," he said.

The bill passed in the Senate on Jan. 29 with a 30 – 10 vote. Opponents of the bill say that it would impose on people's privacy, Watkins said.

Another objection is the possibility of abusing the system by turning it into a money making machine.

"I think they [the localities] are very happy to collect those fines," said Sen. Frank Ruff, R – Halifax, who voted against the bill.

When asked about the possibility of abuse, Watkins said, "Absolutely not. [The bill] is very specific; it says very clearly there is to be no association between number of tickets given and income."

Ruff said having it would be more efficient to have officers patrol against redlight runners. The courts could impose the highest fine and make an example of those caught, acting as a deterrent, he said.

"Word can get around," Ruff said. "I think people's behaviors can be changed this way."

Localities would pay for the installation and maintenance of the cameras themselves, without help from the state.

Before starting or expanding the monitoring system, localities are required to alert the public through an awareness program.

"I just hope that it passes [the House] because it will go a long way to reduce congestion and help prevent accidents," Watkins said.