While some cities have been putting the brakes on red light cameras, Beverly Hills is turning on cameras that had been idle and even adding a few new ones to the mix beginning next month.
Just as some cities decide red light cameras aren't bringing in the revenue they were expected to generate, and are just not worth the trouble, Beverly Hills wants to turn back on the cameras that have been turned off since January.
"I come by here every day to go to work and I am always afraid of getting hit,” Bernie Fliegelman said, referring to getting a ticket — not getting struck by another car.
Beverly Hills has a contract with a new vendor to update existing cameras and add cameras at three new intersections:
- Crescent Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard
- Sunset Boulevard and Benedict Canyon Drive
- Sunset Boulevard and Crescent Drive
While safety is a factor, some drivers said they are not looking forward to having the cameras back up and running.
"I question how much is for safety and how much is for revenue,” said Katt English.
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English said she likes the idea of having working cameras in the neighborhood but wonders about privacy rights and just how well those cameras actually work.
"Sometimes I think it’s a little crazy because they are picturing the car that ran the light," English said. "You're coming behind it and you're on that camera."
The good news for drivers is that a new state law requires yellow lights to last longer, and for the first 30 days after the system goes back online, warning letters will be sent to violators instead of citations.
Intersections will existing cameras are set to be back online by June 1; the new intersections by June 15.