Poll: Are more red-light cameras a good idea for revenue?

Suffolk County hopes to net $20 million a year in badly needed revenue by doubling the number of red-light cameras and processing its own traffic violations, officials said Wednesday.

Lawmakers on Tuesday formally requested state authorization of a Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, allowing the county to keep traffic cases -- and fines -- now processed in district court. Bills to create the agency will be heard in the state Senate and Assembly over the next several weeks.

If approved, County Executive Steve Bellone's office estimates $2.7 million in agency start-up costs, but ultimately, $14 million in annual revenue as soon as next year.

Is Suffolk County’s plan to seek more red-light camera revenue a good idea?