Orlando red light cameras

[Zdog]

Just got back from a week in The World, and want to pass along a warning to my fellow disers. While driving along International Drive, I was stunned by the number of red light cams, those devices that can catch a motorist in the act of breaking the law. I'm fine with that, and try my best not to run red lights. But what these cameras seem to do is create more potential problems with people slamming on the brakes when a light goes yellow, as to avoid being nabbed by one of the cameras. Each infraction is $262, according to the signs posted nearby. Driving safely is always job one, but this is a busy road with drivers of various abilities and techniques. Just a word to the wise, to be careful out there!

 

[wdwrich]

They're not cameras, they are scameras!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

They're not cameras, they are scameras!

In other words... "I got caught and didn't like it"

That said I have no idea why anyone even tries to drive I Drive. It's a nightmare and the folks in Orlando should hang their head in shame I won't go to anyplace that requires me driving on it anymore.

 

[Lewisc]

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...cameras-red-light-camera-red-light-violations

Orlando is moving some of their red light cameras. Moving cameras which are under performing to locations which should generate more revenue.

That means people who use a red light camera alert feature on their GPS should make sure to update the file before their trip.

 

[wdwrich]

In other words... "I got caught and didn't like it"

No, I've never been "caught" by them - I don't push it at intersections. The fact is, it's been proven here in my home state that the traffic lights where the cameras have been installed have had the yellow light interval reduced so they can snag more motorists. The cameras are simply installed as a revenue generator- to me that's a scam!

 

[LadyBeBop]

From Lewisc's article:

The equipment, placed on poles more than a dozen feet high, takes still photos and short videos. They kick on when a laser determines a motorist is about to enter an intersection after the light turns red.

I didn't think that was the way red light cameras worked. I thought they kicked on when the car is in the intersection and the light turned from yellow to red. The way the article is written, cars who enter the intersection during the yellow would not be ticketed, even if the light turns red.

Am I missing something?

I

 

[Lewisc]

It's not enough to come to a complete stop before turning right on red. Some jurisdictions are ticketing if the stop isn't for a full 3 seconds. They claim the cameras are for safety. No safety issue with a "rolling stop" before turning right on red if there isn't any traffic.

 

[LadyBeBop]

It's not enough to come to a complete stop before turning right on red. Some jurisdictions are ticketing if the stop isn't for a full 3 seconds. They claim the cameras are for safety. No safety issue with a "rolling stop" before turning right on red if there isn't any traffic.

Yeah, I know what you mean there. A second and a half is probably enough time to determine whether you can make a turn.

In fact, a second and a half may be enough time initially, but wait the full three seconds, and you get the car barrelling down the street going 20 miles over the spead limit....

But will the camera pick up someone, going straight, who enters the intersection at a yellow, and exits at a red?

 

[Lewisc]

From Lewisc's article:



I didn't think that was the way red light cameras worked. I thought they kicked on when the car is in the intersection and the light turned from yellow to red. The way the article is written, cars who enter the intersection during the yellow would not be ticketed, even if the light turns red.

Am I missing something?

I

I'm pretty sure in NY it's OK to enter the intersection on a yellow light even if it's red when you leave. You're making a left turn in an intersection without a turn arrow. You enter the intersection on a green or yellow light and wait until traffic permits a left turn. Frequently that won't be until the light turns red.

Law may vary by state.

 

[LadyBeBop]

I'm pretty sure in NY it's OK to enter the intersection on a yellow light even if it's red when you leave. You're making a left turn in an intersection without a turn arrow. You enter the intersection on a green or yellow light and wait until traffic permits a left turn. Frequently that won't be until the light turns red.

Law may vary by state.

Same way in Kentucky (where I live) and Ohio (where I drive a lot).

I guess my question is...what's the problem with the red light cameras. Everyone knows you shouldn't enter the intersection when the light is red.
The only thing I can think of...you're afraid to enter the intersection on a yellow (especially when the light just turned green to yellow). The car behind you thinks you're going through the light. Next thing you know..rear end collision.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's not enough to come to a complete stop before turning right on red. Some jurisdictions are ticketing if the stop isn't for a full 3 seconds. They claim the cameras are for safety. No safety issue with a "rolling stop" before turning right on red if there isn't any traffic.

Rolling stop is contradictory. It doesn't exist. Either you stop, or you're rolling. If the law is three seconds, wait three seconds and work to get the law changed.

Same way in Kentucky (where I live) and Ohio (where I drive a lot).

I guess my question is...what's the problem with the red light cameras. Everyone knows you shouldn't enter the intersection when the light is red.
The only thing I can think of...you're afraid to enter the intersection on a yellow (especially when the light just turned green to yellow). The car behind you thinks you're going through the light. Next thing you know..rear end collision.

Yeah, I got rear-ended by someone at a stop sign. Her excuse? "I didn't think you were going to stop. You know how people are around here...". I know how I am. Stop means stop.

It's the rear-ender's fault.

 

[Zdog]

I see where this post is going, and understand red light camera's are a hot button issue nationwide. There is growing debate over the purpose, and a set of real eyeballs in the form of the Orange County Sheriff's Department would probably be a better indicator of this offense, rather than a camera.

That said, the purpose of my post wasn't to rant on the cameras, it was simply to alert and inform travelers of this fact. Seems to me there are many ways the state of Florida can extract dollars from your wallet during a visit, long before you've actually stepped foot on Disney property. Drive with an abundance of care where ever you are while in Central Florida, since you've got a wide mix of abilities on the road with you.

 

[sam_gordon]

Same way in Kentucky (where I live) and Ohio (where I drive a lot).

. Hi Neighbor!

I guess my question is...what's the problem with the red light cameras. Everyone knows you shouldn't enter the intersection when the light is red.
The only thing I can think of...you're afraid to enter the intersection on a yellow (especially when the light just turned green to yellow). The car behind you thinks you're going through the light. Next thing you know..rear end collision.

I think we all have a 'mental clock' in our head based on experience. We have a pretty good idea based on our speed and distance from the intersection when a light turns from green to yellow whether we should stop or not. Sometimes I'm wrong, but not often.

According to wdwrich, officials will change (shorten) the timing between yellow->red than what drivers are used to. So if you're used to being 30' away from the intersection and getting through the yellow (yellow when you enter the intersection), since they've shortened the time, it's actually turning red before you get there. BTW, the 30' I've given is just a guess. I just go by feeling, I don't know how far out I am. Whether his claim is accurate...

 

[LadyBeBop]

It's the rear-ender's fault.

Always. But it doesn't help when you're rear-ended 1,000 miles from home with the body shop estimating it will take three weeks to repair your car.

I was also rear-ended once. I didn't get my minivan back for three weeks. Also spent the night in the hospital as a precaution (sore all over). I was only three blocks from home and insurance covered the rental car. However, what would have happened if I was on vacation? With my entire family in the car instead of just me?

. Hi Neighbor!
According to wdwrich, officials will change (shorten) the timing between yellow->red than what drivers are used to. So if you're used to being 30' away from the intersection and getting through the yellow (yellow when you enter the intersection), since they've shortened the time, it's actually turning red before you get there. BTW, the 30' I've given is just a guess. I just go by feeling, I don't know how far out I am. Whether his claim is accurate...

And thus lies the problem with the cameras. Slam on the brakes, and you risk having you car stuck in the repair shop for three weeks. Try to make it, and you risk a hefty fine. Neither are a good alternative

 

[Lewisc]

Rolling stop is contradictory. It doesn't exist. Either you stop, or you're rolling. If the law is three seconds, wait three seconds and work to get the law changed.

The politicians claim the red light cameras are for "safety". I don't think many people know about the 3 second rule. My understanding is some places are ticketing on the basis of a 3 second rule which doesn't even exist. A person stops, yields right of way and proceeds. It's not a safety issue if he only stops 2 seconds.

Rolling stop is a figure of speech. It means you slow down and are prepared to come to a complete stop if there is traffic which has the right of way. Common if you're traveling at a time of day with few if any cars. Of course you're wrong and are ticket able. Doesn't change the fact that the ticket is being given for revenue and not for safety.

Playing games with the timing of the yellow light is another issue. Obviously done for revenue and not for safety.

 

[cm8]

They're not cameras, they are scameras!

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...cameras-red-light-camera-red-light-violations

Orlando is moving some of their red light cameras. Moving cameras which are under performing to locations which should generate more revenue.

That means people who use a red light camera alert feature on their GPS should make sure to update the file before their trip.

No, I've never been "caught" by them - I don't push it at intersections. The fact is, it's been proven here in my home state that the traffic lights where the cameras have been installed have had the yellow light interval reduced so they can snag more motorists. The cameras are simply installed as a revenue generator- to me that's a scam!

The politicians claim the red light cameras are for "safety". I don't think many people know about the 3 second rule. My understanding is some places are ticketing on the basis of a 3 second rule which doesn't even exist. A person stops, yields right of way and proceeds. It's not a safety issue if he only stops 2 seconds.

Rolling stop is a figure of speech. It means you slow down and are prepared to come to a complete stop if there is traffic which has the right of way. Common if you're traveling at a time of day with few if any cars. Of course you're wrong and are ticket able. Doesn't change the fact that the ticket is being given for revenue and not for safety.

Playing games with the timing of the yellow light is another issue. Obviously done for revenue and not for safety.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Florida has no state income tax due in a large part to the dollars visitors contribute to our economy and I for one appreciate every donation you make in that regard.

Where I live we have a few of these cameras and when they first went up locals complained. Then they just started obeying and curiously the accident rate went down. Not many complaints from the locals any more....

There are LARGE SIGNS that advise which intersections have the cameras btw . . .

 

[seashoreCM]

More importantly you need to be aware of drivers on the other street running their red light.

It is not a bad idea to gradually slow down to be somewhat below the speed limit before going through the intersection. This will also make it easier to stop in time even if the yellow light is shorter than you expect.

 

[gmeh1]

Florida has no state income tax due in a large part to the dollars visitors contribute to our economy and I for one appreciate every donation you make in that regard.

Where I live we have a few of these cameras and when they first went up locals complained. Then they just started obeying and curiously the accident rate went down. Not many complaints from the locals any more....

There are LARGE SIGNS that advise which intersections have the cameras btw . . .

They have them here also, and the accident rate has gone down and people actually stop at the red lights......amazing!!!
I have noticed that there are blue lights on top of the signal lights and a lot of people think those are cameras, which they are not. They are there to signal that the light has turned red to the police, should they be there lurking somewhere.
Florida has some of the worst drivers on the planet (no, not tourists), they don't signal, stop dead when it rains, switch lanes like maniacs, go into a coma at traffic signals and in general stink. Something needed to be done to stop the idiots that run lights and diminish the accidents. They have not shortened the yellow lights, actually they seem pretty long, and it is not a scam to generate revenue. It is to make everyone safe and for those who are complaining, terribly sorry this is an inconvience to you, obey the rules and you will have no problem.