Editorial: Time To Ditch Red Light Cameras

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - There is a growing backlash in this country against the spread of red-light and speed cameras. Cameras that have been installed by cities and towns - allegedly for reasons of improved safety - but more likely for reasons of increased municipal revenue.

At least seven states have now banned the cameras and individual communities are also striking back including at least two in Ohio. Voters in two Ohio towns - Chillicothe and Heath -passed referendums in November banning the cameras. The referendums are necessary in Ohio because the state Supreme Court ruled two years ago that it is legal for municipalities to employ the cameras. It is probably only a matter of time before disgruntled motorists mount the same campaign to get rid of the cameras here in Cleveland and that's OK by us.

There is virtually no evidence that the cameras improve safety at the intersections where they are installed. On the contrary, recent studies show that an extended yellow light at intersections where cameras are installed reduced violations by almost two-thirds. What's really wrong with these cameras, though, is that they force drivers to prove their innocence rather than the government proving their guilt.

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