South Fla. City Installs Cameras To Deter Red-Light Runners

Officials in a South Florida city have installed cameras that detect when drivers don't stop for red lights. A picture is taken of the car's license plate and a ticket is sent to the registered driver's home. "If you break the plane, the light turns red," said Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis said. "That's when the violation occurs."

Pembroke Pines is the first city in South Florida with a camera set up to catch red-light runners. So far, it's only at one intersection: 129th Street and Pines Boulevard. According to officials, this was years in the making. "It's a big problem in the U.S. and it's a big problem here," former Mayor Alex Feketti said four years ago. Ortis said every life is precious. "If you stop the proliferation of red-light running, if we save just one life, I'm very satisfied," he said. Everywhere the cameras have been set up, they've proven to be a deterrent. Charlotte, N.C., saw a 60 percent drop in red-light runners as soon as word got out that cameras were

watching and recording the action. Drivers said they don't see any problem with the cameras. "It's a great idea," one driver said. "Saves people's lives." Drivers said they weren't concerned about the "big brother" feeling of the cameras, that the government could be watching. Most said they're just glad to have extra safety on the streets.

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4/17/2008