Rights Over Revenue. No Speed Cameras

Did you know that town officials are considering deploying speed cameras in the town of Columbia, CT?  Deploying speed cameras involves several risks and challenges that can affect road safety, public trust, and legal standings. While primarily used as a safety tool, their implementation can lead to unintended consequences. 

Rear-End Collisions: Abrupt braking by drivers who spot a camera can increase the risk of rear-end crashes. While these are often less severe than high-speed side-impact crashes, they represent a localized increase in certain accident types.

"Brake-and-Surge" Behavior: Drivers may slow down only for the camera's range and then speed up immediately afterward, a phenomenon that can be mitigated by using "speed corridors" instead of single spot cameras.

Driver Distraction or Panic: High-intensity flashes or the sudden realization of a camera can cause driver discomfort or tension, potentially leading to poor decision-making on busy highways. 

Perception of "Cash Grabs": If cameras are placed in areas without a clear history of crashes, they are often viewed as revenue-generating tools rather than safety measures. 

Disproportionate Economic Impact: Heavy fines can create a "vicious cycle" of debt for low-income individuals. This can be exacerbated if the revenue is used to fund general municipal budgets rather than being reinvested into traffic safety.

Over-Policing Patterns: Relying solely on law enforcement patrol data for placement can inadvertently mirror and reinforce existing over-policing in specific communities. 

Privacy Infringement: Cameras can record data on every license plate that passes, raising concerns about mass surveillance and the control of that data by third-party vendors.

Sixth Amendment Concerns: Automated systems violate the right to confront one's accuser, as a machine cannot be cross-examined in court.

Data Vulnerability: Large databases of vehicle movements can be susceptible to security breaches or unauthorized use. 

Calibration & Technical Errors: Incorrect vehicle identification or faulty equipment calibration can lead to unfair citations.

Short-Term Deployment Difficulties: In temporary work zones, the time required to set up and calibrate mobile camera units can be a hazard for the operators themselves.