The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Drivers caught on camera running red lights in Virginia Beach would have less time to review evidence of an alleged violation under a bill from Del. Bob Tata.
Giving motorists 30 days to respond to a summons instead of 60 is just one change the Virginia Beach Republican's legislation would make to the state law governing red-light cameras.
Another modification would allow the company that operates the cameras to directly obtain from the Department of Motor Vehicles contact information for drivers who run reds.
The company now accesses that information through the Virginia Beach Police Department. The department would continue to review footage to determine whether violations occurred.
And the bill would permit localities with cameras to access captured images for the purpose of disciplining employees who violate traffic laws in government vehicles.
The city wanted that change "so that we are able to police ourselves," said Master Police Officer Jimmy Barnes, a spokesman for the Beach department.
The city attorney's office believes existing law does not give authorities the power to use that footage for operators of city vehicles, Barnes added.
The Senate approved Tata's HB1292 by a 29-10 vote Tuesday.
His bill previously passed the House of Delegates and now heads to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell, who previously represented Virginia Beach in the legislature.
Tata carried the bill at the request of the Beach, which he said is the only Virginia locality using traffic cameras. The law that Tata's bill seeks to amend was adopted by the General Assembly in 2007.
The Beach's program was activated in March and now has equipment at 13 intersections.
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Right On Red?
I would be willing to bet that alot of these violations are for not stopping for right on red turns. It's pretty dangerous for peds to cross, you have to be ever vigilant when crossing the street even when you cross with the ped sign saying it's time to cross because folks just don't want to stop when making a right hand turn in a right on red situation...
Red Light Cameras
I'm sure every city would love to have an officer at every single busy intersection, but the reality is, it will never happen and police officers' time must be spent more wisely. A camera can enforce safety the same way an officer can. This is about SAFETY, not money. Let's remember that.
Going to Play, You Gotta Pay
These cameras aren't the reason people have to pay fines...not obeying traffic laws is!!!! The cameras save lives!!!
Red-Light Camera Law
The bill that passed the senate seems to have some good provisions. I support the use of red-light cameras and hope that more Virginia communities will adopt their use. Several studies, supported by statements from law enforcement personnel, show that red-light camera installation reduces collisions. I recently read a story that said that in Kansas City, MO, after red-light cameras were installed, collisions declined by 26%, collisions causing injury declined by 42%, and collisions caused by red light running declined by 67%. USA Today also recently cited a study in Oxnard, California where red-light cameras reduced intersection collisions by 29% and the more dangerous right angle (T-Bone) collisions by 32%.
big brother syndrom
Red light cameras are a complete waste of law enforcement money that should be used to hunt down and prosecute violent criminals. Not to mention throwing access out there to personal info on the citizenry. Of course as usual, the flock of lambs blindly falls in behind it.
Wanna really save lives and cut down accidents? Raise the legal age to drive to 18 vice 16. It will also help keep kids in school, drive down insurance rates, and reduce access to trouble like drinking, drugs, and teen pregnancy.
Red Lights
I just hit by a person running a red light. I was lucky enough to be in a large vehicle or else there would have been serous injury. I am all for socking too the red light runners.
any takers?
I'd be willing to bet Tata's plate# is on the exempt list.....
Red Light Camera violations vs. summons issued by officer
The red light camers are installed to make money for the city, even though most of the money goes to the camera operator/company. Since the cameras were installed it appears the number of red light violations has decreased. A reveiw of the traffic court docket shows very few disregarding a red light charges. The PD, at one time, had a monthly report issued that showed the actual number of arrests, summons, and arrests made by officers. Stop by your local precinct and ask the commanding officer to provide you with the totals of the charges issued by the patrol oficer that patrols your zone. You may be suprised by the number of officers that don't issue one summons for the entire month. If you can get the officers off the cell phones they might be a little more productive.
But This is What You Wanted
Nobody here should be upset. This is what you wanted. Back when these cameras were put in, everyone was unanimous in their view that we need to catch these evil red light runners no matter what the cost and they embraced the cameras. Now that they have their foot in the door and the noose is tightening, you can’t change your mind now. It’s a done deal. They’re here to stay. You’re learning a painful lesson that once you give up part of your freedom with what seems like a good idea at the time (mainly due to political spin and bad research data), you can never get it back. So everyone needs to lie in the bed that they made. These cameras are what you wanted. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Next on their list: photo speed enforcement w/ points on your record.
I find it funny that he is
I find it funny that he is bothered by this after loaning a multi-ton item as though he is not culpable. Hopefully he understands his insurance company would handle it the same way.