[Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car

[cohenner at gmail.com]

There is a yellow light standard. Here in Baltimore, when the red light cameras were first introduced, there was a court case that was filed because people stated the yellow light times had been changed to be shorter, thus creating more inventory for the city. I believe the city said at the time that yellow lights had to be maintained, at a minimum, for 3 seconds. Of course, that varies based on the findings of the traffic survey done prior to putting up the lights. If conditions warrant, the length of a yellow light can be extended as necessary.

Talking about traffic lights... Montgomery County has a sophisticated system where they can remotely control any traffic signal at any intersection in the county. They can adjust it for rush hour, an accident, police or fire activity, or any other reason.

David
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-----Original Message-----
From: Sheldon Daitch <sdaitch at kuw.ibb.gov>

Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:41:48 
To: Cathy Drzyzgula<cathy at drzyzgula.org>
Cc: <scan-dc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car


I live in a location were there are numerous stationary speed cameras
along divided highways, which are also marked with signs telling drivers
the cameras are in place.

Since they are fixed in location, most drivers know where they are, speed
between them and then slow down for the cameras.  It is the mobile
speed cameras which get tricky, but even with them, the local
speed camera folks tend to park the speed camera vehicles in the
same locations. 

An earlier posting discussed yellow light lengths.

I haven't done extensive research into the yellow light issue in regards
to minimum yellow light periods, but one would think with the standards for
everything else regarding road and highway construction, there should be 
standards
for yellow light periods based on the width of the cross street, number 
of lanes,
width of a median, if any, and the expected speeds involved.   Any traffic
signal with yellow light timing reduced below the standard should be a 
violation
of some kind of law.

I understand the issue with too-short yellow lights, but I know from 
personal
experience, with longer yellow lights at wider intersections, a longer 
light temps
the driver, including me, to have doubts about whether to cross on yellow or
try to stop.  I am not sure if it is practical, but I've always wondered 
if the
approach to an intersection should be marked with a yellow cross line to
assist drivers.  If the light turns yellow before you get to the line, 
it is not safe to
continue across the intersection, so stop.  If that line is behind you when
the light turns yellow, you have sufficient time to cross the intersection.


Sheldon




Cathy Drzyzgula wrote:
> This is one argument I've never understood, why using technology to more
> efficiently catch lawbreakers is seen a way to increase revenue, rather than
> a way to increase compliance with the law.  I think the likelihood of
> getting caught should be high to deter people from speeding, driving while
> suspended, stealing cars, etc. and to have consequences for those who do it
> anyhow.
>
> Cathy
>
>   
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