Heads up for drivers in the San Fernando Valley

KevinP73 · 05-01-2007, 01:01 PM

The traffic light camera at Sepulveda and Victory appear to be malfunctioning. I drove north bound on Sepulveda about 9:30am and watched the traffic cam "activate" on no fewer than 5 cars ahead of me as we entered the intersection on a green light. It was doing the same thing a few minutes later as I headed south.
I thought thses things were fool proof.

Nostril Cheese · 05-01-2007, 01:31 PM

Can't you ask to face your accuser in court? Seems to me that maintenance records would be admissable as evidence

masraum · 05-01-2007, 02:39 PM

A while back I read about a woman who was going to court over redlight cameras someplace in Ohio. Her husband is a lawyer. The points that the article made sounded pretty darn valid to me, but I know that the law can be convoluted.

Hopefully the chick in OH will win. If she does then that would set a precedence, but I'm not holding my breath.

mattdavis11 · 05-01-2007, 04:22 PM

Hopefully somebody will win a case. Seems to me that our constitutional right to due process is being violated. How do you put a camera on the stand?

It is complete and utter b.s. The manner that we were craftly handed the joyous peice of legislation here in Texas, will allow for anyone to get a contract with a city and start writing civil speeding tickets.

Hugh R · 05-01-2007, 05:37 PM

Thank Kevin:

I'll be driving through that intersection tomorrow after lunch.

pwd72s · 05-01-2007, 05:47 PM

Albany, Oregon is installing red light cameras now. Revenue enhancement 101.

Seems to me the theives there have discovered a way to make even MORE money. I mean, is there any way in hell someone getting their photo taken can prove the light was green when their photo was snapped?

KevinP73 · 05-01-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Albany, Oregon is installing red light cameras now. Revenue enhancement 101.

Seems to me the theives there have discovered a way to make even MORE money. I mean, is there any way in hell someone getting their photo taken can prove the light was green when their photo was snapped?

Yes....there is a camera on both sides of the intersection (entering and exiting just in case the front license plate isn't installed. This camera should also show what phase the signal is on. Self defeating in this case.

pwd72s · 05-01-2007, 06:18 PM

Whew! Thanks for the info...I really don't have a clue how these surveillance cameras work. Sure looks like Oregon residents are about to learn...

In the end, I'm sure I'll learn to love big brother....

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by KevinP73
Yes....there is a camera on both sides of the intersection (entering and exiting just in case the front license plate isn't installed. This camera should also show what phase the signal is on. Self defeating in this case.

They also show how long the light was yellow and then red when you went thru the intersection as well as your speed. Those pictures are then sent to an approving officer or deputy to be deemed legit then the paperwork is sent to the offender. In the case above no one would get sent a notice in the first place.

Alot of people don't like the red light cameras. I personally know of at least two cases in the Valley where the red light cameras have proved who actually ran the red light and caused the collision. I would say over 80% of the pictures show people on thier cell phones, looking in the back seat at thier children or eating.

KFC911 · 05-02-2007, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMARSH
They also show how long the light was yellow and then red when you went thru the intersection as well as your speed. Those pictures are then sent to an approving officer or deputy to be deemed legit then the paperwork is sent to the offender. In the case above no one would get sent a notice in the first place.

... I would say over 80% of the pictures show people on thier cell phones, looking in the back seat at thier children or eating.

The red light cameras in my area (since removed) did not snap a picture of the driver, only the vehicle

. Search the archives, as there are plenty of threads discussing these "revenue enhancement schemes"...

KevinP73 · 05-02-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMARSH
I would say over 80% of the pictures show people on their cell phones, looking in the back seat at their children or eating.

I've seen pictures of people driving with gorilla masks on, brown paper bags over their head and even one where the front seat passenger had his/her butt pressed against the windshield.

gprsh924 · 05-02-2007, 08:36 AM

Not that I am advocating running redlights in any way shape or form, but the redlight cameras as well as speed cameras have to prove that the registered owner is behind the wheel. That is convienent for me as I am not technically registered on any of the cars that I drive...they are all in my dad's name. So at this point, I am basically immune from that type of ticket.

KFC911 · 05-02-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gprsh924
... but the redlight cameras as well as speed cameras have to prove that the registered owner is behind the wheel.... .

That is/was NOT an accurate statement in regards to cameras in my locale...hence the outrage.

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by KevinP73
I've seen pictures of people driving with gorilla masks on, brown paper bags over their head and even one where the front seat passenger had his/her butt pressed against the windshield.

We have one in the office right now where the driver is giving the camera the finger. No plates on the car.

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by KC911
The red light cameras in my area (since removed) did not snap a picture of the driver, only the vehicle . Search the archives, as there are plenty of threads discussing these "revenue enhancement schemes"...

Kevin posted about the ones in the Valley. I'm talking about those specific ones. There are also some red light cameras in the Valley that are actually video.

KevinP73 · 05-02-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMARSH
We have one in the office right now where the driver is giving the camera the finger. No plates on the car.

Are there any additional charges that can be imposed for something like that?

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by KevinP73
Are there any additional charges that can be imposed for something like that?

Well, since there was no front plate on the car, There is no way to identify the registered owner or driver of the vehicle, so it's just a picture on the wall in the office. Most of the cameras in the valley only have cameras in the front. That is why there is increased front license plate enforcement in the valley.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

Just a thought but what if everyone started taking the front plates off their cars. Isn't it a fix-it ticket? Much cheaper than a red light ticket. I am not saying run the red lights but can't we force these revenue devices out of business as I am not a fan of having to drive those intersections worrying if I am going to cause an accident by stepping on my brakes at the last minute.

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

It's only a fix it ticket if the officer checks that box on the ticket. But your right it is cheaper then a Red light ticket

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

No front plate is supposedly now a moving violation and not a fix-it ticket.

I was only issued one plate when I bought my 951, and although I'd like to get a custom plate for it, since I'm "grandfathered in" with the old "sunburst" CA plate I'll never change it - I hate front plates. Look like crap.