Sarasota Red Light Camera...

A hearing was held by the Sarasota County Commissioners on Tues June 10th for ordinance 2008-081 to allow the installation of red light cameras at intersections. The nine page proposal can be seen at SCgov.net . The commissioners would like input from the public before the final vote on Tues Aug. 26th.
Even though FL law prohibits cameras, prohibits them on state designated roads/intersections, or that a law enforcemnet officer must observe a person/vehicle running a red light, the ordinance will get around these obstacles by making the running of a red light at a camera location a civil penalty. [Thereby getting around U.S. Constitutiom amendment 14 issues] The fine will be $125 issued/mailed to the OWNER of the vehicle. The company that installs/maintains the cameras will get $75, the County will get $50.
The camera corporation has a responsibility to show a profit for its investors but will install the $100,000 each camera at no cost to the County.
A web search for red light cameras reveals pages of articles, stories, news reports/investigations, studies of how the companies get a return on their investment.
A few revelations. Although the federal government suggests that by adding 1 second to the 'yellow' time, it can reduce red light running by 50% to 90%, the companies installing/maintaining the cameras REDUCE the normal state suggested time by 1 to 1.5 seconds. This tactic almost doubles the amount of violations. The cameras are also placed at high traffic count intersections, not necessarily those with the most death/injury/property damage. Studies have also shown that there is a dramatic increase in rear end collisions at camera locations. Many reports suggest that many cities have installed cameras solely to generate revenue and have nothing to do with promoting safety. After the methods and schemes have been revealed to the public, many cities are abandoning the program.
There is a memo on the SCgov.net site addressing red light cameras that confirms the money making aspect. The last sentence reads " the suggestions is that once the red light running decreases to the point where the cost of operations exceeds the revenue, the equipment would be moved to another site."
Should a for profit corporation have the right or authority to reduce the 'yellow' time to increase their revenue? Should the county allow it so that they can share in a bigger pot of cash? Are cameras for safety or money? Is this program an ethical way to generate additional revenue for the county?