Red-light system good from all angles Regarding...

Red-light system good from all angles

Regarding the story, “No go for cameras in Newport,” July 7, Sgt.

Steve Shulman is correct. A red-light summons report only shows a

snapshot of the traffic violation. However, the violation notice

states that the driver has the option to view the videotape of the

incident.

I recently had the opportunity to examine such a tape when a

family member received a notice of a red-light infraction at 17th

Street and Newport Boulevard from the Costa Mesa Police Department.

The videotape, reviewed with a traffic officer, clearly showed

extenuating circumstances, which led to the inadvertent violation.

The incident could be seen from three viewpoints, and the driver’s

speed was recorded during the entire event. The driver was not

speeding, and the speed was appropriate for the circumstances. The

driver’s response to the illegal actions of another driver was

demonstrated. After viewing the whole episode, the police officer

directed that the violation be dismissed.

If a driver is concerned about being rear-ended, the tape

recording will accurately identify the position and speed of all cars

at the intersection, thereby, perhaps, justifying the driver’s

actions.

The red-light camera system allows a police officer to make a

judgment regarding the circumstances just as if he had been on the

scene. The system provides more effective and less costly policing of

hazardous intersections.

TOM W. STAPLE

Newport Beach