Red light cameras (Yonkers: rental car, rental, lawsuits)

[jeena]

Yonkers has red light cameras now and I was wondering if any other areas of Westchester have installed them. I find it very nerve racking to drive in Yonkers now with the cameras installed. There are three ways a driver can be ticketed ($50.00) at a red light camera; running the red light, not stopping at the white line on the pavement before the red light, or not making a full stop at the red light before making a right turn.

A few years ago when I was visiting southern California I was ticketed $400 for running a red light on the second day of my arrival because I drove too slow through the yellow light while I was trying to figure out where to go with my GPS system and got caught at the red light while driving a rental car. I am aware of some of the issues regarding the cameras because I did extensive research to fight my ticket in court, but the judge wouldn't reduce my fine.

Many times I have found myself over the white line while pulling out of gas stations and stopping at the red light, it can't be helped. Additionally, a driver has to either come to a dead stop at the yellow or race through it not to get caught at the red light on certain streets. If a driver makes a dead stop at the yellow, the driver behind might not pay attention and cause a rear end collision.

Some U.S. cities received lawsuits because the yellow light didn't stay on long enough to get the driver through before the red light went on. Some places even shortened the yellow light time intentionally so more tickets would be issued to red light runners so they could make more money!

Be careful at red light cameras while driving through Yonkers. there are a few on Central Avenue and other streets. A family member of mine already received two red light camera tickets already, and the cameras haven't been here that long.