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Austin red-light camera results minimal, overhyped

Whenever you see someone claiming dramatic decreases in accidents due to red light cameras - a result which contradicts the experience of most jurisdictions - it's always worth examining the data closely. In Austin, reports the Statesman:cameras were phased in at nine intersections ? with more than one camera at some ? beginning in May 2008. They have brought in more than $100,000 in citations.Police Lt. Brian Gruetzner , who oversees vehicular homicide and the red-light cameras, says the 30 percent decrease in wrecks " is pretty substantial for anyone.""We really haven't seen any increases (at those intersections)," Gruetzner said, "and I see it as a very positive thing."That sounds pretty good, huh? Too bad it's a misrepresentation.Gruetzner says the city hasn't witnessed any increases in wrecks at red-light camera intersections, but that's false...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on May 15, 2010 (boomark / email).