June 23, 2008

Schmitt Opposes New Fines - “No Red Light Cameras”

Nassau County Legislator Peter J. Schmitt cast yet another vote today in opposition to the addition of red light cameras at traffic intersections in Nassau County.  Nassau’s County Executive has proposed the installation of 50 red light cameras throughout Nassau to take photos of vehicles that go through red lights.  Drivers would then receive tickets in the mail based on their license information recorded by the camera.  The program is expected to generate $7 million for the county. 

Legislator Schmitt is opposed to the cameras because believes that this project is a revenue generator veiled as a safety measure.  “This is just another ‘hidden’ tax on Nassau residents.  The tickets generated will help the County Executive take more money out of residents’ pockets to fill the ever-widening gap between county spending and county revenues, as cited by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority,” said Legislator Schmitt.

There are also safety concerns related to red light cameras.  “Studies have shown that the cameras can actually increase the number of rear-end collisions at intersections.   I believe the cameras will also erroneously ticket cars that are legally turning at red lights.  This is simply another act of the county’s ‘tax and spend’ Democrats who will go to any lengths to take money from taxpayers instead of cut spending,” said Legislator Schmitt. 

The measure also seems like a procedural exercise in futility.  The cameras cannot be installed without being accompanied by New York State legislation.  Currently, there are conflicting bills being circulated through the state’s Senate and Assembly who are about to adjourn their sessions.