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RED LIGHT! GREEN LIGHT! Smile.
You remember how the City's contract with the Red Light camera providers ran out, so they had to stop using them to give out tickets? Well, your heydey of driving through those intersections at top speeds and deciding your own yellow light entrance/exit time is coming to an end. While the cameras haven't been working since last June, the city sat down and worked out a new contract. Not only that, but they are doubling the number of those damn things. Other cities have found that after installing the cameras, they actually increase the number of accidents at those intersections, most likely from the "OH CRAP!" factor of realizing you're about to sail through a photo zone, and you slam on the brakes. Then the car behind you does a faceplant into your bumper. Whee! The city is spending more than 3 million bucks on the new cameras, so rejoice at your tax dollars in use.
The cameras are back in action, so put on a happy face. Or extend a finger. The choice, Los Angeles, is yours. Just make sure they get your good side.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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