Article from: www.thenewspaper.com/news/22/2224.asp

2/14/2008

Rome, Georgia Red Light Cameras Increase Wrecks, Profit
Red light camera in Rome, Georgia causes 24 percent more accidents and 19 percent more profit.

The number of accidents increased at the Rome, Georgia intersection where a red light camera was installed, but profits have continued to increase. The total number of collisions at Hicks Drive and Turner McCall Boulevard jumped 24 percent between 2005 and 2007 while total profit increased 19 percent The city is so pleased with these results that a second camera is planned for Martha Berry Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Highway.

"(The red-light cameras have) been effective and met our expectations," Rome public services manager Kirk Milam told the Rome News-Tribune.

Rome began photo ticketing on July 12, 2004 and has issued 8619 tickets worth $723,996 since 2005. Redflex, an Australian vendor, operates the program in return for a cut of the profit and a monthly fee. A number of independent studies have found that, contrary to expectations, red light cameras often cause an increase in accidents (view studies).

Source: City plans more red-light cameras (Rome News-Tribune (GA), 2/13/2008)

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