SYRACUSE -- A new study finds red light cameras are saving lives by helping Americans remember that red means stop. Now, we're checking into what happened to a plan to install those cameras in Syracuse.
Syracuse Common Councilor Ryan McMahon, who serves as the acting chair of the public safety committee, says that Mayor Stephanie Miner has not forwarded the proposal to the Council agenda yet, but the current year budget lists $200,000 in revenue from those cameras. Councilor McMahon says when the proposal is forwarded to the Common Council, he thinks it will be something he can support.
"It's a good deterrent for risky driving behavior because there will be a fine, and we can see you," he says.
Bill Ryan, the Director of Administration for the city, says requests for proposals are out now for installation of those cameras. He says then, the city will conduct interviews and will likely forward a proposal to the Common Council in about a month and a half. Ryan says the company that installs the cameras is responsible for incurring the costs of installation. In return, that company will receive a percentage of the revenue brought in as a result of the cameras.
The cameras snap a picture of a car crossing into an intersection after the light has changed to red. Officials later send the driver a ticket, using the car's license plate as identification.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is releasing a study Tuesday that reports the cameras have reduced fatal crashes by 24% in 14 large cities where the devices were introduced between 1996 and 2004.
In 2009, the state gave the city of Syracuse the go-ahead to install those cameras.
Some Central New York drivers think it's a good idea.
"I believe it would make it safer on the roads," says Michael Stark from Syracuse.
However, others have concerns.
"I feel Big Brother's watching you all the time," says Nicole Fink of Manlius. "For a free country, it's not very free."
There is also concern among some organizations that red light cameras could cause the number of accidents to increase.
In Rochester, red light cameras went live at the end of January. The city released a video to show how they work.
Do you think red light cameras are a good idea or bad idea in the city of Syracuse? Share your thoughts below!
