New Law A Day: Tennessee Traffic Camera Citations
If you haven't been caught by a "traffic camera" yet, consider yourself lucky. The Chattanooga Police Department has relentlessly targeted Broad Street near WDEF News 12 in recent weeks.
Did you know, the state just created a procedure for issuing citations based on traffic monitoring systems? An employee of the applicable law enforcement agency must review video evidence from a traffic light signal monitoring system and make a determination as to whether a violation occurred. The Chattanooga PD already visually inspects the "traffic cam" violations before citations are sent out.
If a determination is made that a violation occurred, notice must be sent via first class mail to the registered owner of the vehicle. The notice or citation must allow for payment within 30 days of mailing the notice or citation.
The law also exempts you from getting a ticket under certain circumstances. If you move through an intersection to clear the way for an emergency vehicle or are in a funeral procession, you should not be ticketed.
Also, the registered owner of a vehicle is not responsible for a violation if, on or before the court date, the owner furnishes the court an affidavit stating the name and address of the person or entity that leased, rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the motor vehicle at the time of the violation.
One side note, the piece of legislation originally filed called for notice of a ticket to be sent by certified mail. If that had happened, the state estimated localities that use "traffic cameras" would incur more than $250,000 in expenses, reducing the amount of "revenue" they take in.
Oh, and if you're going to be on Broad Street anytime soon... you've been warned.
Traffic Cameras
Submitted by Truth (not verified) on August 1, 2008 - 11:49pm.
If you want to read some very interesting information about traffic cameras, specifically, red light cameras, read the comprehensive study done by the University of South Florida School of Public Health.
Even though I was already of the opinion this is all about revenue, the study is quite an eye-opener. In fact, I would encourage anyone who believes the cameras are a good thing, to read the study. The results line up with every other legitimate study done by several state departments of transportation. The results show that red-light cameras actually increase accidents.
The question arises: Why would a municipality install devices that make the roads less safe? It has to be revenue or ignorance. Do a little research and don't believe what the locals tell you. Also, check into state rules about sending in fine payments and then note the address on the City of Chattanooga website.
Regardless, even if you receive a fine, the city cannot force you to pay it. If enough citizens refuse to pay, the cameras will go away.
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What is the SPL?
Submitted by Bethy (not verified) on July 27, 2008 - 7:53pm.
What is the speed limit on Broad St.?
When I get off the exits, I don't see any signs up and down those two main streets at all. I always go about 30 MPH along with everyone else, but I never really know. I have seen limits on MLK but that is not the same side of town-it goes all the way up to Bailey way out of Broad and Market Street range. Nice gift to the city putting up cameras before visible signs along the roads.
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Re: What is the SPL?
Submitted by Joe Legge on July 30, 2008 - 5:00pm.
It's 35. Most people drive 40 to 45mph.
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What company is providing the red light monitoring system?
What company is providing the red light monitoring system for the Chattanooga Police Department? What are the costs to the city for the service of this company? or what is the split, in terms of percentage, of the issued violations between the Chattanooga Police Department and the providing company? Please let me know if you can. Also, do you know which companies provide/specialize in red light monitoring systems?
Thanks-