Traffic Light Camera: Attorneys & Lawyers Handling Traffic Tickets - Find a Traffic Lawyer today

A traffic light camera is a new tool being installed by state and city governments around the country to ensure the increase of road safety. In 2006, 38,588 fatal car accidents occurred, and of this number, 8,291, or 21% occurred due to intersections. The traffic light camera is one part of a growing safety system that includes the camera, sensors that are buried in the pavement at the front end of the intersection, and a computer all linked to a traffic intersection signal. As a motor vehicle passes over the sensors after the light has turned red, the camera will typically take two photos of the vehicle in the intersection. One of the pictures will include a photo identifying the license plate numbers. Subsequent to this event the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a summons in the mail. Included will be the incriminating photos and the amount of the fine. The use of these traffic light cameras can result in the issuance of more tickets, and because these citations were issued with the use of an electronic surveillance system, it becomes almost impossible to contest without the help of an experienced traffic violation attorney.

Reasons for using traffic light cameras as apposed to police officers:

Traffic Light Cameras don’t get tired
Traffic Light Cameras don’t call in sick
Traffic Light Cameras are not influenced by a motorist's gender, race, or attitude
Traffic Light Cameras don’t unionize

It would seem logical that these systems would be well received by the public if the result is increased safety. Many problems are raised by those on the apposing side. A system must be fair in its operation. Possible arguments against using the traffic light camera include the theory of thought that engineers of the lights may alter the timing of the signals to increase the number of red lights being run and thus increasing local government's revenue. The concern of the government over the safety of drivers causes great concern for those against the use of traffic light cameras. In the event the camera's sensors are improperly positioned or moved, the integrity of the entire traffic lighting system can be compromised. An argument for the use of the traffic light cameras is based in the hypothesis that the cameras may reduce the number of police officers needed to patrol the highways and streets.

Traffic laws are implemented to increase public safety. At times some methods may target the problems with the wrong results. Groups apposed to traffic light cameras fall on this side of the debate. As long as these cameras are in use, successfully dealing with a citation issued as a result of these systems requires the help of a competent traffic violation lawyer.