[E. Pluribus Unum]

We have red light cameras in my town, and I sometimes stop on a yellow when I should have gone through because it's simply hard to judge on the fly, and getting one of those tickets in the mail would really piss me off. Stopping when traffic behind you is expecting you to go can cause rear-enders.

If people are running a particular red light, it means the yellow isn't long enough. Period.

Red light cameras are about the revenue, nothing else.

[Molon Labbie]

And you would never get a ticket if you made the experienced decision to stop while it was yellow since you felt you could not clear the intersection. I do it all the time and applaud your decision to do so. It’s just not worth the cost or the chance of a t-bone.

I never issued a summons to a person if they were on the back half of the intersection and clearing it, only if they were just entering it at red. That’s blatant, and clear to the other motorists as well.

I feel that yellows could be extended or have a two second breather where the whole intersection sits at red while stragglers clear. This may reduces accidents. Some places have tried roundabouts as well. Roundabouts slow the traffic, but no one really stops.

If cities want to fine motorists for this, make it something reasonable ($20?) and show exactly where the fine money goes. It must be used for something worthwhile, like victim’s advocacy, or as part of the budget for police EQUIPMENT only, no raises or benefits increase. Those items should come at the purview and agreeance of the city council.