RED 'EYE' TICKET PLAN IN WORKS
Hoboken wants cameras at intersections

November 09, 2007 Jersey Journal

Hoboken is planning to use clandestine traffic light cameras to catch drivers running red lights and to improve pedestrian safety.

The ordinance approved unanimously by the City Council Wednesday night sets up the legal framework to place cameras at traffic signals and stop signs around the city.

Council members said the Police Department will set up a pilot program, placing a handful of cameras at secret locations around the city. Hoboken Police Chief Carmen LaBruno could not be reached for comment yesterday.

"It's a public safety issue and these are the kind of complaints we receive all the time," said Council President Theresa Castellano. "You can't have a cop on every corner."

Despite approving the ordinance, City Council members did not know the cost of the cameras, installation and operation, or how much revenue would be generated - but they said the costs are being funded through state or federal grants.

The cameras are triggered to snap a picture of the license plate of a vehicle that fails to stop at a "steady" red light or halt at a stop sign. Tickets would be mailed to the registered owner, who would be responsible for paying the fine, according to the ordinance.

Not everyone likes the idea.

Hoboken resident Jon Gordon said the cameras would be sneaky and the city will be playing a game of "gotcha" with drivers. He also said he doubts the location of the cameras would stay secret for long, since tickets issued to drivers would have to disclose the location of the offense.

ven some council members had reservations.

Councilwoman Beth Mason said she has privacy concerns, suggesting that signs should be posted to warn drivers where cameras are posted.

Richard Diamond, who runs TheNewspaper.com, a Web site that covers motorist issues, said a 1992 state statute on speed limit enforcement violations that bans "photo radars" also applies to traffic signal cameras.

He said that several states have banned traffic cameras, and courts in other states with similar laws concerning photo radars have either banned or are considering banning them.

Corporation Counsel Steven Kleinman said the details of how tickets will be administered have yet to be decided and while he acknowledged a legal challenge is possible, in the absence of a law specifically banning traffic cameras, it is "within our power to do."

See "Traffic_Cameras"