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Home > A comprehensive review of the benefits and advantages that can be achieved by utilizing photo enforcement technology
March 15, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
Photo enforcement devices such as speed cameras and red
light traffic cameras are being used on an ever-increasing
basis in cities across the United States and throughout the
world. Proponents of these photo enforcement devices claim
they are very effective at reducing the number of traffic
accidents and injuries in locations where they are
implemented. The purpose of this article is to point out
some of the biggest benefits currently being attributed to
the use of photo enforcement technology.
Proponents of speed cameras and red light camera
campaigns often put forth the following three arguments to
prove the effectiveness of these campaigns.
1. Speed cameras are effective at reducing
driving speed and accident rates.
Speeding is perhaps the biggest contributing factor to
motor vehicle crashes. High rates of speed can also
significantly increase the severity of accidents as well.
Speed cameras are being used more frequently as a way to
deter speeders. While the United States has been slow at
implementing speed camera campaigns, they are very prominent
in other parts of the world such as Great Britain.
Several studies conducted in Great Britain by the
Department of Transport resulted in findings that prove the
theory that speed cameras do in fact reduce the number of
traffic accidents. In some cases, they saw a 40% reduction
in accident rates. While concerns over the several of the
studies findings have brought the studies into question,
speed camera campaigns have their strong supporters.
A group called YouGov interviewed 1,074 Londoners in a
survey and reported that three quarters of Londoners want
more speed cameras installed at prominent accident
locations. Similarly, in a small municipality of Crewe,
locals were calling for a speed camera to be installed on a
dangerous stretch of roadway. However, the Cheshire Safety
Camera Partnership has refused to comply with their demands
because the fatalities that have occurred on that particular
roadway were too far apart. In order for a speed camera to
be considered, four fatalities need to occur within one
kilometer of roadway within a three-year period.
2. Red light cameras are proven to reduce the
number of accidents and violations in intersections where
they are installed.
There have been several studies conducted that support
the fact that red light photo cameras not only reduce the
number of accidents but also the number of red light
violations themselves. A recent status report released by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed the
findings of studies conducted on intersections in the city
of Philadelphia where red light photo cameras were
installed. They found that before any cameras were installed
within the intersections, violations ranged anywhere from
eight to 251 per 10,000 vehicles. After red light photo
cameras were installed and operating for more than a year,
violation rates declined 87 to 100 percent.
Proponents of the red light photo campaign say these
results prove the cameras effectiveness. In addition, they
feel it directly goes against the theory that red light
cameras are merely implemented to produce revenue. In these
intersections studied in Philadelphia, red light violations
were drastically reduced because of the red light photo
cameras installed.
3. Photo enforcement devices are an efficient
means of monitoring driver behavior.
Automated photo enforcement devices are inherently more
efficient than the older more traditional method of traffic
enforcement by police officers. Photo enforcement devices
can efficiently function around the clock, 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Proponents of this technology feel the only way to
effectively deter dangerous driving behavior is to implement
constant traffic surveillance methods such as automated
photo enforcement devices. As was indicated by the reduced
number of red light citations issued in Philadelphia after
red light cameras were installed, it appears that violations
in many cases go down after more prominent surveillance
methods are implemented.
Despite what opponents to photo enforcement campaigns may
say, it is clear there are many motorists that feel these
devices do in fact help save lives. While it is not likely
that all motorists will become supporters of these photo
enforcement devices, it is likely we will see them in use
for a long time to come.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor
to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to
video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless
security systems for home and business.
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