Protecting the public our arse! It's more like protecting the city's moolah intake.
That's right, Dallas is considering killing its "red light" camera program because it's not generating enough money. So these cameras aren't put into place to protect us and stop folks from running red lights. It's to force folks to pay when they run through the red lights -- the stopping of such behavior isn't important.
Actually, it's very important because the cameras have stopped folks from running red lights so the city can't afford the cameras. Tasty quote:
"The golden question is how many cameras do we need? We'll have to look at the numbers carefully," [Mayor Pro Tem] Dr. Garcia said. "But for me, this has always been about safety, has always been about awareness. We did not do this for the money."Oh, it's about safety after all. Whew!
You know, it's not like we're totally unsympathetic to Dallas. Check out how much the cameras cost to maintain. Plus they have them cheerleaders!
Referenced articles:
Fark: Dallas' red light cameras may face changes as revenue estimate drops
Thanks to Engadget and Fark for the link. These guys are connected together like they're part of some web or sumthin!
Its crazy isn't it, the same things happening over here in the UK but not just with red light systems with speed cameras too, they are meant to save lives but its clear [over here at least ] that the government have people who's sole job is to make sure these devices are placed in the most profitable areas.
Posted by: Car Valeter | Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I think it's ok to spend on cameras on traffic lights, we don't have that here in the Philippines and drivers are just too reckless. Some get away, totally, and some certain truths in accidents are never seen because of the lack of cameras which can have evidences in accidents, sometimes, the victim comes out as the bad guy. Good point on the cameras but I can't understand why it can't generate enough money, I mean, from all of the tickets it can issue to drivers right?
Posted by: John Brent gavino | Monday, April 07, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Hello, I cant believe such a this is even under consideration. It is like Anna said, safety should be allowed to cost. If it makes a profit while protecting people then that is just and added bonus but to stop using them because of it not making a profit is absurd. Thank you for sharing this information and this is a very nice blog you have got going on here.
Posted by: NewSunSEO | Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Not generating enough money, wow that is shocking. I would have thought these things were in place even if they cost more money than they generated. I have joked about police busting people for doughnut money, but that's been said very jokingly. This is almost like that, but for real. I thought safety was aloud to cost, not being profitable.
Posted by: Anna | Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Not generating enough money, wow that is shocking. I would have thought these things were in place even if they cost more money than they generated. I have joked about police busting people for doughnut money, but that's been said very jokingly. This is almost like that, but for real. I thought safety was aloud to cost, not being profitable.
Posted by: Anna | Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 02:50 AM