L.A. traffic cameras to be reviewed

Running a red light at intersections overseen by electronic sentries can cost Angelenos more than $500 in fines, but automated ticketing hasn't proved to be a cash cow, it was reported today.

Red light cameras at 32 intersections around the city are generating about $3.8 million a year, millions less than projected and just enough for the city to break even, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Because some red-light ticket income is dedicated to other traffic safety programs, such as school crossing guards and roadside signs, the city's cash-strapped general fund has been paying an extra $1.6 million a year to keep the camera program going, Matt Crawford, an senior administrative analyst in the city's budget office, told the newspaper.
While police department estimates indicated the cameras produced several million dollars in net revenue in recent years, the actual amount the city collects is far less, The Times reported.
The reason is that some tickets go unpaid, fines are reduced by judges and a growing number of drivers are opting for community service instead of paying fines.
The Mayor's Office is reviewing the program.
"We're looking at our options," David Beltran, the mayor's press secretary, told The Times. "I don't think we're looking at eliminating the program."
On the contrary, city officials are considering doubling the number of intersections covered by cameras.