Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Red-light cameras provide important protection and other benefits

Almost 18 months after the city of Bradenton voted to temporarily end its red light camera program, officials are readying to renew the debate on whether they should return to selected city intersections.
Almost 18 months after the city of Bradenton voted to temporarily end its red light camera program, officials are readying to renew the debate on whether they should return to selected city intersections. Herald file photo

I try not to judge people until I have met them. That said, I would like to ask Bemis Smith how much money was being made from traffic light violations without the cameras. Is the $270,000 an added bonus or would we have made several thousand without them?

How many law enforcement personnel would it take to sit at intersections to try to apprehend a violator? How much would that take out of taxpayers’ pockets? I believe our law men and women would appreciate not having to tie up time writing a ticket for running a red light.

The extra perks are gifts such as recordings to settle crash disputes, as well as extra eyes for the community to help lower crime.

If you are a law-abiding citizen, I don’t know why you wouldn’t want these cameras.

Please don’t spout off about constitutional rights. When it comes to protecting my family, I will forego having my picture being taken at a few intersections.

Woody Clay

Bradenton

This story was originally published December 20, 2017 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Red-light cameras provide important protection and other benefits."

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