Red-light cameras draw angry complaints at Suffolk hearing

Suffolk traffic engineers and county court officials Thursday faced angry motorists who complained at a legislative hearing about red-light cameras and the treatment they receive from traffic hearing officers.

"This is not the American way, and I'm sick of it. We're all sick of it," said Lynda Frego of Mastic Beach, who threw a yellow legal pad onto the floor as she spoke at the public hearing in Hauppauge. "We say dump the red-light camera program now."

Frego was among about a dozen speakers who accused the county of operating the program primarily to make money. County officials say the camera program was designed to boost traffic safety.

Since September, such complaints have been a steady refrain at the legislature's public meetings, where residents can speak on any topic.

On Thursday, Public Safety Committee chairwoman Kate Browning (WFP-Shirley) brought in top county staff who run the program to testify.

Daniel Dresch, director of traffic engineering, denied complaints by some witnesses that the duration of yellow lights has been shortened in an effort to boost tickets. He also said crash data determines where cameras are located.

Critics also note that the county contract with its vendor contains a quota, which ensures the cameras generate tickets. Dresch said the part of the contract that would require the quota has never been triggered, because engineers have picked all the intersections.

Witnesses also complained about rude treatment by traffic court staff.

Lawmakers said the traffic court and the red-light cameras are major sources of complaints to their offices.

"There are some legitimate feelings about treatment that I don't think are being addressed," said Legis. Kara Hahn (D-East Setauket).

Paul Margiotta, executive director of the Suffolk Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, which administers the camera program, said he would buy name plates for hearing officers so residents can identify them in complaints.

Margiotta said that, overall, the camera program and the traffic court, which also handles county parking and moving violations, are running well.

"Thousands of people a week come to TPVA. If a small fraction -- if two percent -- expressed displeasure, you'd be inundated with letters," Margiotta testified.

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.