By Robert Zirgulis
Re “They Are a Fixture – Red Light Cameras Make Selves at Home”
I am truly amazed at our City Council's vote last evening to award a three-year contract to have Redflex, a company with a scandalous bribery reputation, install insidious red light cameras in Culver City.
The Council members just lapped up unsupported statistics that red light cameras prevent accidents.
Former Councilman Alan Corlin challenged me to come up with supporting data that red light cameras cause more accidents than they prevent in Culver City.
I am not going to give data on Culver City specifically. Too many conflicting factors on reporting of data can be skewed in numerous different ways.
If you Google statistics, there are plenty of reports from cities that have shown that the red light cameras are ineffective. Link: Fired red light camera exec says bribery widespread at Redflex
My big issue right now is why is the city dealing with such a scandal-ridden company as Redflxx that is under investigation in 13 states, including California?.
There are better ways to stop red light runners than red light cameras. Lights can be set to only change when there is no car in the intersection or to make yellow lights longer. Paying a $496 red light ticket is only affordable for Council members and the rich. It is an unfair confiscatory tax that hurts the poor and is way out of proportion where the punishment fits the crime.
Shame on the City Council that purports to have the interests of the people and safety of the people at heart.
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
