On Friday, Mayor Bob Filner made an announcement at a news conference near the West Grape Street and North Harbor Drive intersection that he has decided to take down 21 red-light cameras in the city of San Diego.
After the announcement, a group of workers immediately began taking down the “Photo Enforced” sign on the Grape and Harbor intersection and continued to take other signs down throughout San Diego.
According to the mayor’s statement, there is no proof that the red-light camera program decreases accidents or increases safety in any way. The San Diego Police Department and California accident database showed that there had not been an accident at that particular intersection since 2001.
It was also reported that the main group ticketed on Grape and Harbor were tourists. Red-light violation tickets may prevent visitors from coming to San Diego again and the mayor explained that San Diego should not welcome visitors with a $500 fine.
Although this will save about 20,000 drivers a year from a costly $490 ticket, there were immediate concerns from bicycle and pedestrian groups on the programs demise.
Chair of the S.D. County Bicycle Coalition, Kevin C. Wood, stated that eliminating the camera program will worsen safety conditions for cycling. Policy Manager with Walk San Diego, Kathleen Ferrier, was dismayed that the mayor did not mention studies that gave proof that intersection cameras did help reduce intersection accidents for all road users.
Overall, this concern is not widespread according to a recent poll done online by Union Tribune San Diego. About 82% of 2,276 entries agree with the mayor’s decision in ending the red-light camera program. Getting rid of red-light violation fines may be a relief for all drivers, but whether our streets continue to be safe for everyone is something we will all have to wait and see.
What do you think about the end of red-light violation cameras in San Diego?
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