LOS ANGELES – 3/30/12 – Are you one of many who have had a mini-panic attack when approaching a red-light with a ticket camera? If the light is yellow you may slam on the brakes, or you break the speed of sound — pedal to the metal, before the light turns red.
Well my friend, those days may be over. The Los Angeles Times has reported there will be a termination of the contract between the LAPD and the company who operate those red-light cameras. Reports say, starting this Saturday, the LAPD, “Will no longer have easy access to the photo and video evidence that courts require.” Basically, it’s a waste of precious city resources taking motorists to court who may have unpaid citations.
So if you happen to be one of the unlucky to have been issued a ticket by the City of Los Angeles from a camera, you may be able sigh a breath of relief. The LAPD may just not have the resources to chase you down and bring you to court. However, if you have a citation, your name will still remain in the court system.
According to reports, as of July 31st last summer, many existing red-light cameras were simply, ‘shut off.’ It all got to be too much when the LAPD were having to chase down violators in L.A. County Courts. And, there are still many tickets which still haven’t been paid, an estimated 65,000.
Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine stated, “Records are maintained in court and if they get another citation or come in contact with the court, they will then have to adjudicate and resolve the matter at that time,” he said.
Now, there is a caveat to this entire red light camera situation. There are still cities (within the Los Angeles County), which may continue to operate red light camera programs, such as Inglewood and West Hollywood, to name two. The red-light ticket cameras will also be functioning along Metro rail lines.
Therefore, any motorist who still gets hit with a red light ticket should check with the local issuing agency to make sure this program exists in their area.
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