Red-Light Cameras Palm Beach County

Comment Up

Back in the News--Red Light Cameras

One thing about it, when I know a corner has red-light cameras, I am especially careful of being caught in the middle of the intersection in a yellow light that quickly turns red.  Some corners are very wide and impossible to get through in seconds. When I was 21, I got a ten dollar ticket for going through a yellow light and I have never forgotten that. It has been a big deterrent for me in trying to get through a light before it turns red. No one needs a $158 ticket, the cost today.

The Palm Beach County Commission once again approved of keeping its red-light cameras installed at 17 intersections in the county's unincorporated areas. We already have to deal with various cities using them for "safety" and income. According to a study, rear-end crashes are up and and left-turn and angle crashes were down. It was also stated during the PB County Commission meeting that the County has made no money from American Traffic Solutions but they all voted to keep the cameras because of perceived safety reasons.

Jeff Clemens who is for red-light cameras has received a campaign contribution from American Traffic Solutions. I would say, follow the money especially when the county traffic engineers said there has been no significant safety benefits. The County pays the company to use the cameras and it has made no money off of them since 2009. The only entity with the pay-off is the red-light camera company. Palm Beach County may rebid the contract or stay with the present company.

Red Light Cameras

Comment Up
Red-Light camera supporters and cities that have implemented the programs say it's all about safety--they lie! Everyone knows it has always been about the money.

The Florida House Highway Transportation and Safety Committee, one that State Sen Jeff Clemens once was a member when he was in the House and who pushed for Red-Light cameras says that if the bill is passed, cities would not retain much money, if any, from the tickets.

This week the Florida House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee approved the proposal, THSS 14-01, a plan that also intends to reduce the amount of red-light camera tickets from $158 to $83, and prohibit local governments from installing new cameras.

Read the article... from Hernando Today.

FL Sen Jeff Clemens still supports Red-Light Cameras

Comment Up
Jeff Clemens, former mayor of Lake Worth, supported red-light cameras while he was in office and apparently nothing has changed other than it has become lucrative for him to do so, according to Media Trackers. He is now our State Senator and still champions the controversial red light cameras and shorter yellow lights at intersections. (Let's get those suckers!)  Clemens appeared on a WTSP-TV news segment reporting on the shorter yellow lights.

Clemens, who receives campaign contributions from the company that manufactures red light cameras and receives a percentage of each motorist fine resulting from red light cameras, defended the shorter yellow lights.

Clemens claimed shorter yellow lights do not result in more red light violations. He should know. Media Trackers Florida says he is a chronic traffic offender himself racking up ticket after ticket.

Red Light cameras and Jeff Clemens

Comment Up

An existing law discourages issuance of right-on-red tickets with cameras. State Senator Jeff Clemens would eliminate that by allowing the private vendor to issue tickets in nearly every case. The vendor just needs to be able to claim that the vehicle appeared to be traveling at 10 MPH or more before turning. Clemens denies that he gutted the legislation in favor of American Traffic Solutions, a company that contributed to his campaign. "Politicians who serve photo enforcement companies are often richly rewarded."

 West Palm Beach commissioner Shanon Materio also received a $500 campaign contribution from American Traffic Solutions. "Former Florida state Rep. Ron Reagan, who was responsible for passing the state's red light camera law, received a job at the National Coalition for Safer Roads, a front group funded and operated by ATS, says the The Newspaper.com.

Read more at the Obambi.com blog

Motorist Rights Bill gutted by Jeff Clemens

From the Tenth Amendment Center--see what they say about Red-Light cameras:

HB 1006 will Restore the rights of motorists.

Senate Bill 1342 did so until last week when Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-ATS) gutted the bill in the interest of local governments and for-profit companies.

Sen. Jeff Clemens gutted the Motorist Rights bill on 3/21/13 via an amendmentt. Call him at 850-487-5027 and let him know his actions are not appreciated.

More Red-Light cameras for West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach city commissioners are adding 52 red-light cameras at various intersections throughout the city.

Click here to find out where they will be installed.

Red-Light Camera Ban passes with close vote in House

As Mr. Waples said that the Finance Advisory Board came up with various options for the city to generate revenue thus justifying the enormous multi-million expense to keep the Sheriff, I can't think of one idea other than the failed Red-Light Camera.

As we have determined, the guy making the money is the red-light camera company. Recently the FL House voted to ban red-light cameras on a 59/57 vote. The reason why the vote was so close was the main red-light camera company, American Traffic Solutions (the same company that tried to invade our city), had heavily lobbied the State reps by giving a bunch of cash to the Republican Party and to various campaigns. Read about it here. Perhaps they need to follow our Ethics Policy.

Studies show that increasing amber time by 1 second can reduce violations by 60 percent or more in many cases. Our Commissions were right both times in their vote against installing red-light cameras. Our State Rep, Jeff Clemens, was one of the 57 who voted against the ban of red-light cameras.

How does this affect Boynton's red-light cameras that will go into operation tomorrow? The Ban is not FL law as it died in the Senate.

SB-672 Red-Light Camera ban

Last week, the phone lines to the Transportation Committee had to be shut down. People rallied behind the ban of the red-light camera scam. The Bill that passed in the Transportation Committee on a 4/2 vote is now in Community Affairs. Once it passes there, it will go to the Senate.

Follow SB 672.

Of course, one of my favorite groups, the Florida League of Cities was against the ban of red-light cameras.

Banning of Red-Light Cameras to be voted on in Florida Senate

Comment Up


UPDATE:
03/29/2011 Senate • Favorable by Transportation; YEAS 4 NAYS 2
..............
SB-672 hits the Senate floor today at 1:00 pm. This Bill bans red-light cameras in the State of Florida. On two occasions, Lake Worth said "no" to red-light cameras and they made the right decision. It's all about the money and even most of that goes to the red-light camera company and to the State, not to us.

The Finance Advisory Board's charge is to find ways to increase revenue and red-light cameras have been brought up again. They can throw this one back on the table tonight but it will not stick. Even this Board knows that it was going to cost Lake Worth right under $300,000 a year to rent the cameras on a 5 year contract with NO guarantees of enough revenue to pay for the lease. No sense in spinning wheels here. Hopefully SB-672 will be passed today by Committee and we can move on to a full Senate vote.

1. Red light cameras deny basic constitutional and due process protections such as the right to be presumed innocent, the right to a trial, the right to confront your accuser and proper notification.

2. Red light cameras cause more accidents, injuries and fatalities. They increase traffic congestion and change driving behavior.

3. Studies show that increasing amber time by 1 second can reduce violations by 60 percent or more in many cases.

4. Red light cameras raise revenue by punishing technical foul violations such as right turn on red violations and split second entries into the red light which rarely cause an accident.

5. Red light cameras are a menace to our constitutional rights, our pocketbooks and to public safety. They must be removed from our roads. Source: The Constitution Committee

6. The only one who makes out is the red-light camera company.

Orlando & Jacksonville make List for Worst Speed Trap Cities

What do a lot of these cities on the list have in common? Red-light cameras.

Orlando, Florida came in at number 7. It installed red-light cameras, which in the first three months of use generated 700 tickets. So, the next time you take that trip to Disney, drive slowly or big brother will get you.

Jacksonville is also on the list. Great place to catch all those college students speeding to get to class. Read more about it HERE.

Speed Traps

The Red-Light Camera Trip

Red-Light cameras are back in the news today.

There are some who believe that if it might make a few bucks for the City then it is a good thing...the heck with the residents who have to live with lousy decisions, who have to pay for them as well or whether the taxpayers speak out against these ill-conceived ideas or not. Staff always believes that it knows best.

In this case, the Commission took the red-light camera "trip" and made the right decision to reject the entire idea. Palm Springs put in three of them: Congress and Forrest Hill, 10th Ave North and Lake Worth Road. To date, Palm Springs has lost money but the Mayor there still insists that red-light cameras are a good thing for safety--only time will tell. One thing that we do know is it lets the police off the hook for more serious issues (the Sheriff keeps telling us that crime is down) and relegates traffic tickets to technology.

If you recall, American Traffic Solutions' sales pitch was that it was for "safety" purposes. In West Palm Beach, they have had more rear-end accidents than they had without red-light cameras. Even Lois Frankel says, "I personally do not like the cameras."

The only entity that is guaranteed to make any money is the red-light camera company. Darrian Dority and Jennifer Marchal of the Finance Advisory Board understood that when they voted "no" on approval of the red-light cameras in Lake Worth. American Traffic Solutions wanted Lake Worth to pay them $298,997 a year for 5 cameras. The City estimated that we would receive $100,000 revenue per year...no guarantee of making money and no guarantee of making our intersections more safe.

Lake Worth made the right decision on Red-Light Cameras

As Katie and I were driving in Royal Palm Beach a few days ago, she pointed out a red-light camera that appeared small and unobtrusive. I did not notice any sign stating that a red-light camera was in force.

As more and more cities are worried about lawsuits because of violations of driver's due process rights, Royal Palm has now voted to end its red-light program. Even Pembroke Pines, the first city to install these cameras is attempting to amend its contract with American Traffic Solutions so that the company would be responsible for part of the expense of a law suit.

Even though the Finance Advisory Board agreed to the concept of red-light cameras, I will always remember the Finance Advisory Board and Darrian Dority when he said, "It would take a person of sub-standard intelligence to agree to these terms...the City needs to look at Contracts."

American Traffic Solutions made two presentations before our City Commission and was turned down by different Commissions. The last time the idea came before us, encouraged by Staff, the Mayor voted with Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill not to install them. We made the right decision both times.

Red-Light cameras approved by PB County

Well, Lake Worth made the right decision on red-light cameras. Now that Palm Beach County has approved them, ya'll come on down here where you won't get a ticket. Shop and dine in our downtown and visit the best beach around.

Red Lights don't stop American Traffic Solutions

Read Frank Cerabino's column on red-light cameras and the company, American Traffic Solutions that tried to install cameras in our city, not only once but twice.

Know your Facts on Red Light Cameras in Lake Worth

Today I sat through the first part of the workshop on downtown parking and red-light cameras.

First I will talk about red-light cameras--again.

The FACTS OF THE MATTER are as follows. I want Staff to understand this particularly when they say that Red-Light Cameras were approved by the Commission. I also want Commissioner Jennings to understand this as well as the Assistant City Manager--they both got it wrong because of what was NOT said. Rachael Smithson said that the Commission approved of American Traffic Solutions two years ago but it never went further.

First reading of Ordinance 2008-07 on American Traffic Solutions
A motion was passed by the City Commission to amend the Ordinance to delete "digital or video movies; or from Section 21-44 (1)(d) Recorded images; delete and video recording device from Section 21-44 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring System/Device; approve amended Ordinance No. 2008-27 on first reading; and postpone the public hearing date until the commission received red-light runner statistics from the PBSO.

On January 6, 2009 Ordinance 2008-07 was denied by the Commission on Second Reading..scroll down to page 7, the start of the debate. Page 9 shows the final vote and the Commission directing the City Attorney to come back with an Ordinance prohibiting red-light cameras in the City.

That WAS the vote. Whether attorney Larry Karns ever brought this back is another issue.

We can NOT have Staff mislead the public or anyone else to this degree. This is a total cover-up of the truth.

Cash Strapped Cities in Money Grabbing Modes

Comment Up

In a cash hungry and money grabbing mode, Lake Worth is considering red-light cameras and parking pay stations downtown even though the City said "NO" to red-light cameras just 1.5 years ago. Even the Finance Advisory Board recommended the "concept" of red-light cameras. I certainly agree that we should ticket all drivers who break the law. PBSO writes a lot of tickets every month and red-light cameras would free up their time at intersections. Do you ever see the Sheriff at intersections?

We have the right to face our accuser per the Constitution and in this case the accuser is a camera. Often times cities play dirty pool and have shortened the Yellow light so that it can "capture" more offenders. Lengthening the yellow light time will ruin this golden goose opportunity.

Under the Bill that was signed by Crist and went into effect on July 1, only red-light camera systems or law enforcement officers would be authorized to give the traffic citations. Prior to this Law, only traffic officers could issue tickets for red-light infractions.

Lake Worth has suggested red-light cameras in its proposed budget that will generate $100,000 in revenue, which is three times less than the yearly cost of the cameras projected by American Traffic Solutions. But relying on a traffic camera alone, without an officer at the intersection, was "invalid" according to the Judge in the Aventura case. Now that Crist has signed this into Law, it moots the case.

An MSNBC report suggests that as drivers are aware of the red-light cameras, they slow down. In many cases, the cost of the camera is greater than the revenue and cities are shutting them down. As tondy cd said, "Red-light cameras are a criminal enterprise promoted by legislators who take payola from shady private corporations, and rubber-stamped by fellow legislators who lack the courage to face their constituents with the distasteful reality that maintaining public services in an economy of declining tax revenues requires a tax increase."

Tomorrow, the budget will be further discussed with a workshop beginning at 8:30.

The City will also be discussing parking station revenue that includes the downtown. One of the companies that answered the RFP, CTR Systems Parking, Inc., out of Davie Florida, says that each pay station will cost $11,684 with annual maintenance costing $9,474 as well as a cost for installation. This company will most likely give a payroll quote on what it will cost the city for three part-time workers working 20 hours each and if the number of workers projected by the City is even adequate.

If our City has no idea of the impact on our downtown businesses and all the neighboring streets, it should not even be considering this even if economic conditions were different.

They propose the following number of pay stations:

9 - Beach
1 - Old Bridge
1 - Boat-ramp
5 - Downtown

Red-Light cameras--again!

The first hour of the Finance Advisory Board meeting was discussing previous motions. One in particular was hashed over for most of the hour--red light cameras.

If you recall, the motion that was passed on July 7, 2010 was—
Motion made by Mr. Pickett and seconded by Ms. Decker that the Finance Advisory Board recommends to the Commission and supports the red light camera traffic safety program as presented subject to further investigation by staff as it relates to the issues discussed including sliding scale fee structure (5-2, Dority, Marchal)

After the Board received the minutes of this meeting there was concern regarding the Motion. Many felt that their intent was to approve the “concept” of red-light cameras. The above motion indicates that they approved a red-light camera “program” when in fact there never was a program. When checking with the city manager, she concurs, “There is no program.”

Rescinding the original motion was discussed. One member suggested that before they reconsider the original motion that they should wait for Bill Thrasher to arrive as he was in full support of red-light cameras. Jennifer Marchal, another member who opposed the original motion, was out of town but her presence was not considered.

Nevertheless, there are still some on the Board who believe that we will be making $1.8 million, a sales pitch given to Staff from American Traffic Solutions, and put before them on the night of July 7. I keep on looking for that Brooklyn Bridge I want to sell.

When other members on the Board were discussing the possibility of a huge revenue stream and making a motion to support, Darrian Dority said, “this could come back and bite you in the butt.” He also said that it would take a person with "sub-standard intelligence to agree to these terms." The reality of the American Traffic Solutions “deal” is that the City would be paying them $298,997 a year over a 3 to5 year contract for 5 cameras and we are guaranteed absolutely nothing. It all depends on how many people are stupid enough to run red-lights knowing that cameras are at the intersection.

Bill Thrasher stated that he was ok with the original motion. When a Motion was put into effect by Jessica Plotkin and seconded by Laurel Decker to rescind the original motion of July 7, Exline was the only member who dissented.

The new motion and passed last night is as follows:
The Finance Advisory Board supports the concept of red-light cameras as a potential revenue stream and the Board suggests that Staff explore alternative vendors and fee structures. This passed on a 6/0.

Red Light Cameras and its History in Lake Worth

On July 7, the FAB met to discuss red-light cameras. John Pickett made a motion to accept the program as presented. Bill Thrasher seconded the Motion. Laurel Decker than said that she would like to amend the motion to accept the "concept" of the red-light camera program. Pickett is willing to withdraw his motion but Bill Thrasher refuses to withdraw his second. The Chair then asks for a new motion and the Board agrees. John Pickett makes a new motion as follows:

The Finance Advisory Board supports the red-light camera traffic safety program as presented subject to further investigation by Staff as it relates to the issues discussed including sliding scale fee structure. This investigation stuff is meaningless. The FAB approved red-light cameras...period. It is very difficult for me to imagine that 5 members of this Board approved a program based on figures provided by a Vendor who will get the business and tie up our City on a five year contract.

The Motion passed on a 5/2 vote, Dority, Marchal dissenting.

History of the Red-Light Camera Program and American Traffic Solutions:

American Traffic Solutions first proposal on October 7, 2008 piggy-backing the City of Aventura. Check page 32 for fee structure. This was a five year contract with option to extend for two additional two year periods.

First reading of Ordinance 2008-07 on American Traffic Solutions
A motion was passed by the City Commission to amend the Ordinance to delete "digital or video movies; or from Section 21-44 (1)(d) Recorded images; delete and video recording device from Section 21-44 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring System/Device; approve amended Ordinance No. 2008-27 on first reading; and postpone the public hearing date until the commission received red-light runner statistics from the PBSO.

On January 6, 2009 Ordinance 2008-07 was denied by the Commission on Second Reading..scroll down to page 7, the start of the debate. Page 9 shows the final vote and the Commission directing the City Attorney to come back with an Ordinance prohibiting red-light cameras in the City.

Backlash growing against red-light cameras

Shorter yellow lights boost red-light camera revenue

American Traffic Solutions pulls out of Calif city for not making enough money but here in Lake Worth, they want a guaranty of nearly $25,000 a month.

Red-Light Cameras

Do you think that drivers will take the hint and
not go through a red-light when they see this sign?

I don't know about you, but I am sort of scared about cops and getting pulled over for a traffic violation. I have been pulled over a few times in my life and it is not a pleasant experience especially by motorcycle cops. They can be really unfriendly and can treat you like Lizzie Border who axed her parents to death.

I suppose the Red-Light Traffic Safety Program as presented by the Finance Department to the Financial Advisory Board, derived from information provided by American Traffic Solutions only, has got to be one of the most questionable and preposterous ever but definitely not funny.

The only entity that is guaranteed to make any money is the red-light camera company. They want the City to pay them $298,997 a year for 5 cameras. The City estimates $100,000 revenue per year to the City in its proposed Budget. Do the math.

Now don’t you suspect that once any driver knows there is a red-light camera that he will slow down way before he comes to that intersection so that he is not caught going through a yellow light that turns red while he is in the middle of the intersection? It is conceivable that the City could make NO money at all or even lose money. Are we gambling on people being stupid?

As previously stated, there are NO guarantees that red-light cameras reduce accidents. And there is no guarantee that we will re-coup the cost of $24,916 a month that we have to pay to American Traffic Solutions.

Why do we always have these pie in the sky presentations that only take our money? And why do we jump at anything that has the whiff of $$$. Why?

Financial Advisory Board

Last week the Financial Advisory Board discussed two issues: red-light cameras and parking stations at our downtown.

According to the City Manager's report in her first paragraph entitled FAB Deliberations, "the FAB recommended that the City proceed with the implementation of the red-light camera program next fiscal year."

According to my notes, the FAB approved of the "concept" of the red-light camera program with Laurel Decker saying that she never saw a revenue she didn't like, but the Board wanted the revenue compensation amounts to the City put on some sort of a sliding scale rather than a flat fee. As this is against the State Statute, two of the FAB members voted "no" (Jennifer and Darrian) on the motion, for this reason as well as just not liking this as a revenue source. In essence, the Board approved of red-light cameras.

Also the City Manager's Report says that the "FAB recommends NOT to proceed with the downtown parking fee implementation due to the possible negative impact this may have on some of the City's businesses in the downtown area."

Although the negative impact to business was discussed, the unanimous motion was to table this until the City brought back more information on program costs, enforcement and maintenance. Steven Carr thought he would have this information at the next scheduled meeting.