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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Ban on Traffic Cameras Proposed in Mississippi
Despite their lifesaving effects, traffic cameras may soon be banned in Mississippi.
Legislators are proposing a statewide ban on traffic cameras. This decision has sparked concern from Jackson law enforcement officers who credit the cameras with reducing automobile accidents at intersections.
If passed, House Bill 1568 would remove cameras in all cities and counties. It has already passed through House and now goes to the Senate.
Reports show the cameras have reduced accidents at intersections by an average of 68 percent. Further evidence also proves that traffic cameras help reduce side-angle crashes – the most serious type of collision.
Lt. William Thompson, patrol operations manager for the Jackson Police department, also stated the cameras allow police officers to concentrate on "fighting crime instead of working accidents."
How the Cameras Work
1. The cameras record motorists who run red lights.
2. The cameras record drivers who fail to stop before turning right on red.
3. $75 tickets are mailed to the vehicle owner along with a photograph of the violation.
Nearly $405,000 has been collected in Jackson from more than 21,000 mailed tickets.
The Debate Wages On
Those in favor of banning the traffic cameras say the city pays over half the revenue from the violations to the company that operates the cameras. Of the money collected, the city was billed $259,360. This left $145,618 as income.
"Too much of the profits go somewhere else," says House Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Steve Holland, D-Plantersville.
Rep. Chuck Espy, D-Clarksdale disagrees with that argument stating, "These things save lives, period. Is it wrong to make a profit off that?"
Leslie Blakey is executive director of The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running. She also had a friend killed by someone who ran a red light. She calls the proposed ban "very unfortunate, because the success of these programs at saving lives is just indisputable."
The outcome of Bill 1568 will be important to follow, but if you or a loved one have already suffered injury due to a driver running a red light or any other type of negligence, please contact the experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm in Jackson, Mississippi to schedule a consultation today and move toward being compensated for your injuries.
Legislators are proposing a statewide ban on traffic cameras. This decision has sparked concern from Jackson law enforcement officers who credit the cameras with reducing automobile accidents at intersections.
If passed, House Bill 1568 would remove cameras in all cities and counties. It has already passed through House and now goes to the Senate.
Reports show the cameras have reduced accidents at intersections by an average of 68 percent. Further evidence also proves that traffic cameras help reduce side-angle crashes – the most serious type of collision.
Lt. William Thompson, patrol operations manager for the Jackson Police department, also stated the cameras allow police officers to concentrate on "fighting crime instead of working accidents."
How the Cameras Work
1. The cameras record motorists who run red lights.
2. The cameras record drivers who fail to stop before turning right on red.
3. $75 tickets are mailed to the vehicle owner along with a photograph of the violation.
Nearly $405,000 has been collected in Jackson from more than 21,000 mailed tickets.
The Debate Wages On
Those in favor of banning the traffic cameras say the city pays over half the revenue from the violations to the company that operates the cameras. Of the money collected, the city was billed $259,360. This left $145,618 as income.
"Too much of the profits go somewhere else," says House Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Steve Holland, D-Plantersville.
Rep. Chuck Espy, D-Clarksdale disagrees with that argument stating, "These things save lives, period. Is it wrong to make a profit off that?"
Leslie Blakey is executive director of The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running. She also had a friend killed by someone who ran a red light. She calls the proposed ban "very unfortunate, because the success of these programs at saving lives is just indisputable."
The outcome of Bill 1568 will be important to follow, but if you or a loved one have already suffered injury due to a driver running a red light or any other type of negligence, please contact the experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm in Jackson, Mississippi to schedule a consultation today and move toward being compensated for your injuries.
Labels: Jackson
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