Here is a letter I wrote to the local paper about our cameras;
In the late 50’s there was a song called “Transfusion”. The lyrics depict a hotrodder continually involved in accidents and requiring blood donations. (“I’m never never never never gonna speed again. Pour the crimson in me, Jimson”). For some reason I recall that song when thinking of the removal of the red light cameras at Del Avion and Del Obispo (local intersection).
I was never a fan of the cameras in the first place, figuring they were just a money grab by the city. At that time, the city denied revenue was a factor. I’m pretty sure I recall hearing the old “if it saves one life, it’s worth it” line justifying installation of the cameras at select intersections around the city. Using that logic, I couldn’t figure out why cameras weren’t installed at every red light intersection in town. But, I’m not as smart as a government worker, so let it pass.
When the cameras were removed, I was forced to one of several conclusions. Maybe inflation had reduced the value of that single saved human life to the point it was no longer worth going to the trouble to save. Or, maybe those of us using that intersection had repented of our evil ways and stopped burning rubber through the intersection to beat the red. Since cameras remain at other intersections in town, maybe drivers using those intersections are more low-life scofflaws, while us sophisticates at my end of town had learned our lesson, become better drivers, or simply got tired of dodging school kids in the crosswalks going to the local school.
A call to the city revealed I was right! Human lives have declined substantially in value since the cameras were initially installed! According to the city, “violations had fallen way off and the cameras were no longer needed”, and they “weren’t generating enough citations to offset the cost of equipment and maintenance”. Gasp!
“Hey daddyo, make that Type O”.
