Posted by  Wes Spruill, Brandon on 06/12  at  10:41 AM

Who cares if it violates someone’s privacy rights?  It might save lives.  Maybe the people on the road who drive like maniacs will think for that split second about the ticket they might get and then they’ll stop instead of gunning the accelerator.

It’s a violation of my second amendment rights for the state not to allow me to carry an assault rifle, machine gun, or any firearm at any time, but I’m not particularly concerned about the “violation of my rights.” I feel safer not having people out there carrying Uzis to the shopping mall.  I also feel safer having red light cameras so I have a slightly better chance to not get T-Boned at an intersection with my family.

Posted by  Kenneth Neves, Work on 05/08  at  08:14 AM

Using red light cameras is definately NOT a violation of the US Constitution because you are in a public place and therefore have no right to an expectation of privacy. The only people that do not want red light cameras and use the constitution as a cloak are the ones that are running the red lights. They will do anything to avoid being busted for it. As for it increasing accidents, that is another line of bull. I came from a state where red light cameras are currently being used, and the accident rate has actually dropped.

Posted by  Michael Gaines, Polk County on 05/08  at  05:11 AM

If they were actually adding the cameras for safety and if they actually worked, I would be in favor of it in a heartbeat.  But no one is talking about the real reason they want to install cameras.  Money.  They can claim it’s to save lives all they want but the truth is it’s just another way to make money, and I’m not a big fan of getting a ticket when it can’t be proven that I was behind the wheel at the time.

Posted by  Michael Harris, Oldsmar on 05/07  at  06:47 AM

I don’t know where Mr. Major gets his information.  Knowing their up or not has absolutely nothing to do with the cameras violating the ‘Bill of Rights’. It might have to be tested in the courts; but it is a clear violation of the 14th and 4th Amendments to the constitution.  How about a better solution:  a timer, as is already being used in some areas.  It’s currently being used more for pedestrians, crossing the street.  But large timers, somewhere up around the traffic light may help.  Of course, I’m sure some will right in against that, saying “cars will just speed up to beat it.” Hey - they already speed up to beat the Red.

Posted by  F. B. Major, Tampa on 05/04  at  06:49 AM

No invasion of privacey if you know the camera is there, it’ when a camera is taking a picture of you and you are not aware of it, when it becomes an invasion of privacey.  That’s the law.
So let’s get those camera’s up and runnin!!!!

Posted by  Larry Hampton, Tampa on 05/02  at  05:15 PM

Constitutionalists, such as myself will always argue for the Bill of Rights.  The Bill of Rights says: “no state shall enact a law that violates the Constitution of the United States of America.” Under the fourth, fifth and fourteenth amendment, (those dealing with privacy), the State of Florida is in violation of the U.S. Constitution, by using road blocks to stop citizens, without probable cause, even late at night to check for drunk drivers.  This example is analogous to the intersection cameras.  While it seems to make logical sense, it probably violates a citizens rights.  Your respondents and viewers should become familiar with the ‘Bill of Rights.’ Keep up the great work Alicia.

Posted by  Peter Gilbert, Sarasota on 05/01  at  05:38 PM

If it really comes to making a choice between protecting someone’s life and violating someone’s privacy, there need be no discussion what way to choose. So, if these cameras can improve safety, I deem them necessary. On the other hand, let’s realize that running a red light is just one of many bad/lethal habits in traffic. People jeopardize their (and someone else’s) life daily by not using blinkers, using the phone while driving, persistently staying in the left lanes while doing 20 m/h and, last but not least, not maintaining the proper distance to the car in front. So, beside the cameras there is still a lot of education necessary to achieve safer traffic.

Posted by  Patricia Wingenfeld, Manatee County on 05/01  at  02:02 PM

Driving is becoming increasingly hazardous in direct relation to people becoming increasingly entitled and self-absorbed. For those persons who have such an urgent need to get somewhere ahead of someone else...or to make that phone call while driving and not paying attention to the road, or redirecting children in their back seat and not paying attention to the road/intersection/lives ahead of them...I believe red light cameras and monitoring are essential. Please, write or call your senator and let them know you believe this to be true, too.

Posted by  Ronald E. Mott, Tampa on 05/01  at  10:57 AM

Traffic Talks

I think that it is ok not only that it is the responsible of all to be a safe driver. Anyone wishing not to do so is putting my life in danger. This thing of running RED LIGHT has to come A STOP NOW111 if not sooner!!!!!!!  We the careful driver has the right to use the road ways without those who think that they above the Law. They need to have a rude awaken. Because of all these careless drivers our insurance keeps going up and up. If I have to invade there privacy so as to have a safe place to drive then SO BE IT. If they don’t want to have there privacy invaded then don’t run RED Lights! 
Ronald E. Mott

Posted by  Arthur Schmidt, Riverview, FL on 05/01  at  10:56 AM

When a person leaves private property onto “public” property, that person’s actions are subject to “public scrutiny” by whatever means, by person or by “devices.” Because there are numerous violations pertaining to the safety of “other” persons, I believe that “device” monitoring of driver’s in addition to police “monitoring” behavior now becomes a necessity in many metropolitan areas. When you become a statistic & you see “red light running” constantly, I approve of the use of these devices supplementing POLICE monitoring as a means to reduce accidents.

Posted by  Peggy R., Winter Haven on 05/01  at  10:54 AM

Surely a proven measure to save lives is more important than someone’s ‘privacy’ being ‘jeapordized’ in a public place!

Posted by  Scott Wiechelt, Tampa on 05/01  at  10:54 AM

So, apparently, we have the essential freedom to break the rules of the road and run red lights.  I never saw that in the U.S. Constitution.  I worry about government getting into our private lives too, but, this is a matter of having a picture of you taken when on a public road and exercising the privilege of operating a motor vehicle.  If your so worried about privacy at least focus the ire about the invasion of it in the right places.  Illegal wiretapping for instance.  Who actually feels they have a resonable expectation of privacy in the middle of a public intersection?

Posted by  Richard Sullivan, Tampa on 05/01  at  10:46 AM

Red Light cameras are needed everywhere!  I can’t count the number of times I have seen cars go through an intersection after the light has turned red!  There is no excuse for most of these drivers running the red light, most of the time they are not even in the intersection before the light has turned red.  I have witnessed several accidents caused by these obnoxious drivers.  I also do not agree with the argument that Red Light cameras are an invasion of privacy, when one is in a public place, especially on the road or in an intersection there should be no expectation of privacy!

Posted by  Paul Warr, Valrico on 05/01  at  10:45 AM

Red light runners are an EPIDEMIC in the bay area.  I have witnessed dozens of them in any given day while employed as a contract courier over the past five years.  It is routine to see even so called professional drivers (cabbies, police officers, deputies and even school bus drivers) committing this offense.  As for the ACLU, they would likely argue that reporting a blatant drug deal to police is a violation of the dealer’s privacy.  GIVE US A BREAK!

Posted by  amos miers, tampa on 05/01  at  10:31 AM

So we behave better when we are being watched!  Where will this stop?  This is a dangerous element threathening to our essential freedoms.  Maybe we should all have cameras in our bedrooms to prevent sodemy!

Posted by  Scott Wiechelt, Tampa on 05/01  at  10:29 AM

Someone, please explain to me how my privacy is being invaded when I’m out in PUBLIC?!

Posted by  Phillip Paree, Largo on 05/01  at  10:27 AM

This is an excellent idea! There’s nothing private about a traffic intersection. These cameras are needed badly as there aren’t enough police to cover all areas, especially in a metro area the size of Tampa Bay. This is something that needs to be done.

Posted by  Bruce Sabin, Frostproof on 05/01  at  08:28 AM

Installing cameras will result in more crashes, not fewer. Like Ms Roberts, the Washington Post once pushed for red-light cameras. But, on 10/4/05, the Post reported that after cameras were installed in DC, there were significantly more crashes and fatalities. In a study by the U of Virginia, cameras were shown to slightly reducing light running, but actually caused 65% increases in rear-end collisions as drivers slammed on the brakes to avoid running lights. The implementation of red-light cameras has been opposed by the American Motorists Association and AAA, two groups known for their defense of drivers, precisely because red-light cameras have been shown to increase, rather than decrease, accidents.

Posted by  Patti Major, Tampa on 05/01  at  08:14 AM

Invasion of privacy? Only have to worry about that if your going to break the law, right?  When you enter every 7-11, bank,etc you are on camera (invasion of privacy). Poor excuse. These cameras takes pic of your car, not your face. If it is good enough for the majority of the country then why not Fl? I drive daily for a living and I see way too much of this craziness going on thru out the day all thru out the county. It has got to STOP!!!

Posted by  M.David Lord, Hudson,FL on 05/01  at  06:26 AM

You are very correct about the benefits of Red Light Cameras. Perhaps you should point out that in most cases the cameras are not on unless the light is red, therefore there is no privacy issue unless the driver breaks the law. Therefore it would seem that anyone who argues against the cameras must be conciously intending to break the law. This includes the people in the State Senate who oppose the cameras. M. David Lord

Posted by  Jo Ann Sanderson, Temple Terrace on 05/01  at  06:02 AM

Living near the intersection of 56th Street and Fowler Avenue in Temple Terrace, it is a common thing to see red light runners (as many as six or seven per light), especially in the left turn lanes.  School buses and city buses are included in this offense.  I ask of the people saying it would “violate a drivers right to privacy”, how they would feel if a member of their family was the person killed by a red light runner.  Would you think it violated the offenders privacy then?

Posted by  Tony Panarese, Dade City on 05/01  at  05:56 AM

I think it is a great idea.I am tired of it going on asmuch as it does. It’s one thing to go through when it has turned yellow, but I see so manyu running way after the light is red and the other, green. Very dangerous!! Best of luck, Alicia, at channel 8!!!!!

Posted by  Doug Bingle,  on 05/01  at  05:46 AM

Good job in the mornings. the camera issue is a necessity, the police can’t bird dog intersections and how can a person be outside and have any expectation of privicy!!! By the way the legislature it is a privlege to drive in Florida, not a right.If people want privicy stay behind closed doors.

Posted by  Lynn and Larry Daszynski, Sarasota on 05/01  at  04:54 AM

Oh please!  Our rights are violated!  The ALCU!!!!!!!!  What about our right to not be killed by lawbreakers!!!  Then all security cameras must be illegal!  Don’t the statistics speak for themselves. 40 percent less red light runners!  I and my family would like a 40 percent greater chance of living!

Posted by  Larry Hampton, Tampa on 04/26  at  05:33 AM

Hey Alicia, GREAT JOB on the morning news show.  Welcome to Tampa Bay.  As to the camera thingy, I have mixed feelings.  It definitely IS a violation of our privacy and may even be unconstitutional.  On the other hand, I see people run red lights all the time.  It’s very scary.  I don’t think it will fly with this current Florida House and Senate.  So, are you an Eales fan or are you gonna bite the bullet and support our Bucs?