Did I miss something???

Don't agree with your logic Vet

uhhh

spiderjohn, I respectfully disagree with every point you have made. Firstly, the unattended (by actual officer ticketing) fine that is civil, goes to the owner of the auto, not the actual person behind the wheel, unless the driver is the owner. it is unconstitutional. Virtually every state or municipality that has them, does it for one reason: to generate revenue. It is NOT a safety issue. Just this week, the Supreme Court of Colorado is hearing and prepared to make a ruling on their unconstitutionality.

Why are they bad in Middletown? Firstly, many use the spray substance that makes it impossible for a license plate to be identified by the camera, as it emits a hazy picture. I know factually many have used that substance which in turn, has led to lowered numbers of fines as well as decreased citations. The court also has had many challenges that they drop---so it cost the city time and money attempting to prosecute a civil offense that is actually a criminal misdemeanor.

Thirdly, in Middletown, as the cameras are solely about revenue generation, not public safety, the absolute worse intersection for running traffic lights is been the intersection of Rosedale and Briehel. Speeders run through that light constantly. NOT one camera has been placed on that light in all the years the cameras exist, and I know for a fact, it is the most dangerous in Middletown for running red lights and speeding. yet, you'll NEVER see a police officer patrol nor cite an individual on that stretch, as so many MHS students are there driving north/south.

It isn't big brother invading with cameras, rather, the unconstitutionality of being cited for a civil offense and hefty fine when big brother has no idea whom is even driving the auto. As for those in the intersection and driving through when yellow, which the court may throw out and reverse the actual citation, like a minor speeding offense, many times the individual will pay $125.00 even though not at fault, to save the 3-4 hrs awaiting a hearing, and losing time and 1/2 day of salary. That's the reality of the unconstitutional traffic lights that have nothing, nothing, to do with safety.  

Cameras do nothing to prevent hazards of speeding and running through lights. Individuals with bad habits will have bad habits, and cameras aren't a deterrent. Rather, when you see a police cruiser parked, awaiting to cite you for speeding and of course, running a red light, it snaps one out of the stupor behind the wheel, while texting, thinking about the girlfriend, boyfriend, or the evening party at PAC and what to wear, into the harsh reality, you are driving a multiple ton vehicle that can kill another, that can kill you. That's what officers sitting on the side of the road do, and not cameras. Although admittedly, they make it easier for policemen to more easily sit down and guard SunCoke while being built, or sitting at Kohl's, knowing the camera is doing your job, albeit ineffectively and in violation of due process.   

As for cross checking for Proof of Insurance/ Liability, any and all municipalities, cities, villages in Ohio, ask to have a copy of insurance over any citation. If Proof is not provided, that leads to a suspension for 90 days or greater in Ohio automatically, until proof has been shown. If you secure it afterward, your license will still be suspended, sometimes for a year. Cameras have no bearing on that enforcement, and the same occurs when a camera citation is submitted. provide proof of insurance, or your license are suspended.  I add, this practice in Ohio on Proof Of Insurance has been in practice for at least 15 years.

In Ohio, virtually all traffic cameras are programmed appropriately with a 5 second counter from yellow light to red light, ample time to get through a yellow light without a ticket.

What's the true solution for Middletown? Remove all traffic ameras, and have police officers do their job, park by intersections, and notice driving behaviors change by seeing a real officer on the watch, than a camera. The cameras actually make it more unsafe, because there is rarely the risk of being monitored by an officer, so habits don't change. That's the negative aspect that far outweighs the revenue generation for Middletown policemen having to do nothing to monitor intersections.   

I'm just a humble man, but in my opinion, the very problem with Committees, is the outcome is assured by those that tell the Committees what outcome they desire. Too many crimes committed to have officers sit by the roads and control traffic? I see more police officers sitting at the Goodwill, Kohl's, Target, Lowe's Kroger's. Meijer's, than any intersection. Crime is not a reason to avoid due diligence on watching for bad driving. The other day, I saw a Camaro and Porsche driving 70 mph down Rosedale by the Arboretum in a Grand Prix, crossing over University, then back down, laps. How about a few officers parked at the Arboretum to avoid the cross Middletown run.