Letters: School cameras won't prevent speed
Suffolk County asked state legislators for permission to install speed cameras in dozens of school zones -- a program that supporters said would increase safety for children and raise an estimated $6.8 million a year for the county. Credit: Courtesy of Xerox
After reading "Nearly hit by school zone speeder" [Letters, May 15], I noticed that the writer believes that a speed camera would have prevented the speeding. Possibly.
The flaw with the camera system -- and the proof that they are mainly for monetary gain -- is that officials take your money after the dangerous speeding has already taken place.
If local politicians want to prove they have safety in mind, they would look to prevent even the first offense, instead of ticketing afterward.
Try adding a blinking yellow light and a sign warning drivers that a speed camera is active up ahead. You will see accidents prevented.
Dan Didden, North Merrick
The reduction in accidents attributed to red-light cameras is certainly good news ["Nassau red light cameras," News, May 19]. Motorists seem to be driving with increased caution, and the decrease in accidents is proof that the cameras are doing what they were intended to do.
If the cameras were meant only to improve safety, then the decreased revenues should not be a concern, and the fines should remain at their present level. Unfortunately, that may not be the case.
In Orlando, a prominently displayed sign indicates the fine for a red-light camera violation is $283. Hopefully, our counties will be satisfied with the positive safety results and not seek to use the cameras to continue to increase revenue.
Robert Caskey, Miller Place
