TRENTON – Towns under red light camera pilot programs have been told to temporarily suspend the automated enforcement measure.
The state Department of Transportation has ordered the suspension of Red Light Running Automated Enforcement Programs (RLR) until towns in the pilot programs can certify that the timing on the yellow light signal conforms to the statute, according to Assembly Republicans, who lauded the administration’s decision Tuesday.
“Towns were using this pilot program as auto ticket issuing machines and a way to generate revenue,” Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, (R-13), Little Silver, said in a statement. “Improving safety is a laudable goal, but not at the expense of punishing innocent drivers.”
Municipalities will be required to have the red light cameras tested to ensure yellow lights are timed correctly according to state law. Tickets will not be issued from 63 cameras until they have been tested, officials said.
The state has a total of 85 red light cameras installed at traffic signals.
According to the Department of Transportation, 21 of the 25 municipalities participating in the pilot program have not obtained independent certification for 63 traffic lights.
“If a yellow light is set too short, the consequences for a driver will have a financial impact and put their safety as well as other drivers at risk,” O’Scanlon said.
