'Red light cameras' that automatically crack down on red light ignoring have caused many accidents, and some towns rely on fines for 15% of their income

Red light cameras, which are installed at traffic signals and automatically capture and police traffic violations, have been introduced in some cities in the United States, but it has been reported that they actually increase the incidence of accidents.

As law changes, Florida cities are making banks on red light cameras | WLRN

https://www.wlrn.org/wlrn-investigations/2024-07-05/red-light-cameras-miami-florida

Doral red light cameras going away - CBS Miami
https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/doral-red-light-cameras-going-away/

'Red light cameras' are automated monitoring and enforcement tools at intersections where red light ignoring is common. When they were first introduced, their purpose was to 'educate drivers, make them slow down, and punish drivers who run red lights.'

At first glance, this seems like it would work as intended, increasing road safety. However, when a comparison was made between intersections with and without red light cameras in Doral, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, it was found that the red light cameras actually increased the incidence of accidents.

'Because of the red light cameras, drivers have started to slam on the brakes when the light turns yellow out of fear of committing a violation, which has resulted in many rear-end collisions,' said Rafael Pineiro, deputy mayor of Doral.

Some cities rely on red light camera fines, with the top city being West Miami, Florida, which uses red light cameras as its second biggest source of revenue after property taxes, accounting for about 15% of the city's total revenue.

Residents have strongly opposed the system, saying it is 'squeezing money out of commuters.' Since red-light cameras were legalized in state law in 2010, they have been subject to ongoing legal challenges. In addition, 81% of Sweetwater, Florida residents voted in 2019 to abolish red-light cameras.

'Cities shouldn't have to fund their entire budgets on these systems,' said Florida state Assemblyman David Borrello, who led Sweetwater's referendum on red light cameras. 'I think it's inappropriate for us to have to fine people to survive as a city government,' he said, and is working to eliminate red light cameras. Starting in July 2024, cities that install red light cameras will be required to prepare and submit annual reports, and Borrello said, 'This is a good first step.'