Red-light cameras still a hot topic

I don’t like the new red-light cameras and here are some of the

reasons why. At most signals, when a red-light runner is pulled over,

the officer will talk to the driver and ask why they ran the red

light. During that questioning the officer can determine if the

officer is drunk has a medical problem and he can also run a check on

the driver for warrants or to see if the car is stolen. None of this

can be achieved by taking a photograph of the car. When an officer

issues a ticket it’s to the driver, who may not be the registered

owner. Most of these cameras use radar enforcement to stop speeders.

Officers also use modern technology but there is human involvement,

which I believe, is better than a camera.

I think these “big brother” cameras give a false sense of security

that all drivers will now stop for red lights. I have seen drivers

speed up to beat the camera’s flash and I have seen them slam on

their breaks when the signal turns yellow.

I strongly prefer the human element and effectiveness of police

officer involvement. But if the city must stay with this camera

concept they should at least rethink where the citation money should

go. How about expediting the repairs of our community streets so

drivers can concentrate on traffic signals instead of dodging

potholes?

MARK HARRIS

Costa Mesa

Please, please put them up at any and every intersection. After

living in Newport Beach for 33 years, I have seen red-light running

become an epidemic. In our neighborhood, there was a horrible death a

couple of years ago, of a mother and her children. I am totally in

favor of it and thanks for the coverage.

JIM THOBE

Newport Beach

I definitely support the red-light cameras. I think they are

really needed.

ROSE McVICKER

Costa Mesa

I feel that the red-light cameras are an excellent idea and I wish

they were at more intersections. I think it will save a lot of lives

and accidents by catching these people that go through the red

lights.

KATHY COX

Costa Mesa