Red Light Cameras Could Save Mid-County $3 Million

If you know you're being watched, you stay on your best behavior — such is the theory behind red light safety cameras that generate tickets to traffic violators.

According to a new study by American Traffic Solutions and John Dunham & Associates, red light cameras save cities and citizens big cash by virtue of this better driving behavior. Because drivers are on high alert around safety cameras, they get in fewer accidents, which results in decreased money spent on injuries and fatalities, and a smaller tax burden to communities for emergency services associated with every traffic collision.

According to John Dunham & Associates, "red-light safety cameras also allow police departments to provide uninterrupted traffic enforcement without assigning an officer to watch the intersection. This enables a department to enhance its enforcement efforts without added costs, providing a cost-savings to the community."

The study took an in-depth look at 25,000 cities in America and how, using 2011-valued dollars, they would save money over five years by adding just one red light safety camera. Over a five-year period, the study suggests that Mid-County could save $3,284,394 by adding one camera each in Capitola, Soquel and Aptos. These numbers do not even include the increased revenue gained by cities from every issued traffic ticket.

See how the numbers break down below:

Capitola

Soquel

Aptos

Would you support more red light safety cameras being installed in Mid-County? Tell us in the comments!