Nonprofit Criticizes Red-Light Camera Companies

Red light camera companies place profits above traffic safety, according to a report released today by a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. 

Many municipal contracts with red light camera companies, now in over 700 communities nationwide, divert about half the revenue of a violation to the vendor, according to the US Public Interest Research Group.

The City of Millbrae is under another type of contract, whereby the city pays a fee to the camera company. If the revenue collected from red light violations is insufficient in a given month, Millbrae can delay payment to the vendor.

Presumably, this system incentivizes vendors to ensure that a minimum number of tickets are issued, according to the report.

Millbrae contracts with Arizona based American Traffic Solutions, Inc. The Millbrae Avenue and Rollins Road cameras average $49,000 a month in city revenue. The city pays ATS about $6,000 a month in fees.

The fine for failing to stop at a red signal, including not properly stopping for a red light righthand turn is $446. Millbrae collects about $120 of the fine and the county, state and ATS receive the rest.

The report indicates that red light camera companies are amassing political clout that is shaping traffic safety nationwide. 

The industry is lobbying heavily to expand authorization for private traffic law enforcement. In Florida, for example, camera vendors employed about 40 lobbyist to fight a bill that would have required cities to extend yellow light times, according to US PIRG.

The organization urges municipalities to put public safety first, including analyzing other safety options that may make more sense regardless of revenue generation.