Traffic cameras consist of two types: red-light cameras and speed enforcement cameras. While both may seem similar, they differ in many ways. Red- light cameras detect when someone drives through a red- light. They snap a photo of the car and its license plate and record video footage for later review by law enforcement. Traffic cameras monitor intersection areas for drivers who do not yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or drive straight through a yellow school light.
When Are Traffic Cameras Used?
In many circumstances, cameras enforce traffic regulations. Some cities use traffic cameras to crack down on red-light violations and other breaches drivers commit at intersections.
How Do Traffic Cameras Work?
Traffic cameras capture photographs of cars passing through a junction or a site where a violation has occurred.
A police officer or another person examines the footage from the camera to see whether a violation occurred, and a ticket should be issued.
The issuing officer may not be present at the scene and instead evaluates the photographs using video conference equipment. In other circumstances, an officer must inspect each photograph before issuing a ticket to guarantee that no one is ticketed without good reason.
When Are Red- light Cameras Used?
When no officer is present, they capture cars that run red lights. These systems typically capture images of vehicles as they pass through an intersection or other location where a violation has occurred.
Key Differences Between Red- light Cameras and Traffic Cameras
There are several differences between red-light cameras and traffic cameras.
The cameras also enforce violations of other vehicle codes, such as running a stop sign or speeding. In contrast, red-light cameras are only used to enforce red-light violations.
The police department operates red-light cameras with the primary goal of catching drivers who run the red light. Government agencies may operate traffic cameras, but their primary goal is to enforce traffic laws. Red-light cameras do not connect to a revenue stream. Traffic cameras can. Red-light cameras can’t operate remotely. Traffic cameras can. Red-light cameras give tickets, but traffic cameras use surveillance technology to monitor traffic flow. Red-light cameras don’t have quotas. Traffic cameras do. Traffic cameras are smaller in size compared to a red- light cameras. Red-light cameras operate under a policy of strict liability. Traffic cameras operate under a policy of discretion. Red-light cameras issue citations to the owner of the vehicle. Traffic cameras issue citations to the driver. Traffic cameras do not have flashes, so they cannot take pictures at night. Red-light cameras have a flash and can take pictures at night. Traffic cameras do not have zoom features, so they are restricted to taking pictures of vehicles at a distance. Red-light cameras have a zoom feature.
Benefits of installing camera traffic systems
The media informs commuters about the traffic condition in their respective locations. The authorities get to see how cars move, what roads are closed, and what accidents happen so that the public is informed and plans for alternative routes if needed. Researchers use traffic camera footage to look at patterns and make decisions about building roads.
How to Fight a Traffic Ticket
You may dispute a red- light or speeding charge in court. Fighting a ticket may be costly and time-consuming, so weigh your options first. Suppose you appeal your ticket, depending on the circumstances; you may have various defences, including:
The officer did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop you. The officer did not properly issue the citation. The officer used defective equipment. Your speedometer was inaccurate (for speeding violations).
Conclusion
Traffic cameras have become a commonly used tool by the government to enforce traffic laws. Despite their usefulness, they are not without controversy. Many drivers feel that using traffic cameras is unfair because it removes the human element from law enforcement. However, others think using traffic cameras is an effective way to deter speeding and other violations and keep drivers safe.
- What is a red-light camera?
Red-light cameras capture cars that run red lights. The cameras are linked to sensors and installed on poles at junctions.
- How does the red-light camera work?
After the light turns red, red-light cameras are triggered. The cameras record a vehicle travelling through a red- light and the driver’s face or license plate number. Other systems capture running-light video.
- What is the processing time for tickets?
Tickets may take up to 30 days to arrive. Still, it may vary depending on your county’s ticket processing procedure.
