KW: I don’t like this idea…
(excerpt from) Newsday.com
Another try at getting OK for LI red-light cameras
By Sid Cassese / April 5, 2009
Cameras that capture the license plates of vehicles running red lights are controversial around the country…
Now, Nassau and Suffolk officials are looking to generate revenue from red-light violations. So far, New York City is the state’s only red-light camera area.
State Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) said Friday that the transportation committee he chairs could approve a new camera bill Monday…
Neither Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi nor Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy placed money ahead of safety, but both have budget crises and have said they are desperate for any cash the cameras can bring.
The state – which allows cameras only in cities of a million or more people, like New York City – now may let the Long Island counties, and Buffalo and Yonkers have them…
Officials in both counties said they will not use county money for the cameras, but instead will lease from contractors who will install and maintain the cameras for an undetermined percentage of the ticket.
Ian Siegel, Nassau’s deputy county executive for parks and public works, said requests for the proposal already have been answered and requests for a “best and final offer” are due Wednesday…
Opponents of the cameras say they are intrusive, they can cause rear-end crashes and the timing can be modified to increase revenue. The license-plate owner can say somebody else was driving, but has to prove it, starting with giving the name of the driver.
Filed under: long island, Long Island Politics, News, politics, traffic Tagged: | cameras, economic hardship, Government, law enforcement, Nassau County, red light, Suffolk County, taxes, traffic
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