Red Light Cameras Now Cost the City Money

Now that red light cameras are costing Los Angeles money--to the tune of $100,00 a month--instead of generating income, or at least being revenue neutral, a L.A. City Council panel yesterday "reluctantly" approved a short 3-month contract extension with the company that operates them, says the Daily News. Since their installation, the LAPD says there have been no fatalities at the 32 camera-intersections (but accidents are up, mainly because people can't drive) and they would like to see the number of cameras doubled within city limits. "At a time when we are laying off 4,000 workers and the police department has an $80 million shortfall, I'm not sure we can justify this," said Councilmember Greig Smith. The contract extension still must be approved by the full city council.