[djsumdog]

Except the companies are for profit. The red light cameras increase rear ending accidents:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/major-chicago-st...

..because most people don't want to intentionally run red lights.

Furthermore, most cities run these as civil violations, but if you take them to court, the courts run them under criminal procedures. IANAL, but there was an excellent post someone shared on HN a few weeks back where a law professor fought one of these tickets (I can't seem to find it right now). He wasn't driving, but felt the burden of proof shouldn't reside with him, but the state.

He lost his case, had to appeal, won that case and was never given any of the bond he issued to appeal.

These tickets don't add points to your license in most states, their safety improvements are questionable, and they're pretty much a money making racket for cites and the companies that make/run the cameras.

[passivepinetree]

The article you're referring to is here:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/01/op-ed-how-i-turn...