Ticket revenue factored heavily in Oakland red light cameras

http://www.insidebayarea.com/breaking-news/ci_21711099/ticket-revenue-factored-heavily-oakland-red-light-cameras

Red light cameras were supposed to be a double blessing for Oakland, improving safety and generating much needed revenue. But when an additional safety measure sharply reduced violations and corresponding camera ticket income, the city reversed it.

Sure enough, red light running violations at Oakland's 11 camera enforced intersections quickly rebounded. 

Now as the City Council this month considers extending the camera program for three more years and possibly expanding it, opponents have seized on the episode to argue that the cameras' alluring profit potential actually make them a threat to traffic safety.

"The city knew they could reduce red light running and instead they decided to increase it to make money," said Jay Beeber a camera opponent and founder of Safer Streets LA.

City officials countered that cameras have decreased collisions, helped collect crime scene evidence and generated more than $1.1 million since they were installed four years ago.