Imagine going through your daily pile of mail and finding a envelope addressed to you, courtesy of your local law enforcement. Curious, you peek inside and see a photo of your car, which is right in the middle of a familiar intersection. The light in the photo is red. That's when reality sinks in. You've been busted by a red-light camera. The ticket in your hands carries a fine of nearly $100 -- just enough of a financial pain to cancel those weekend plans.
How do you feel? Frustrated by your own mistake? Creeped out by Big Brother? Confused about when the violation happened? Perhaps you recently loaned your car to that crazy cousin so he could pick up some mulch. Maybe he's the guilty party. If so, is your red light-running relative willing to fess up?
If you live in Sugar Creek, Mo. or any of these communities, perhaps this scenario sounds strangely familiar. And if the new cast of characters at KCMO City Hall follows in the footsteps of their predecessors, be prepared for red-light cameras when you make that first trip to the Sprint Center.
Remember, the KC city council approved red-light cameras last year. However, some strange stuff happened during the bid process for automated traffic enforcement companies. Turns out one of the company advocates was a former city employee. A conflict of interest issue crept into the discussion. You get the picture.
Long story short... the new council members are starting from scratch and they plan to get the overview this Wednesday, June 6 at City Hall.
How do you feel about this law enforcement tool? Some say it's a great way to improve safety at intersections and allow officers to worry about more serious crime. Others accuse cities of generating revenue and taking away a driver's right to due process in court (the system targets the owner of the vehicle, but not necessarily the driver responsible). For instance, police mail you the ticket instead of your cousin, who had been driving.
Right now, Sugar Creek has the only Photocop in Jackson County. Police Chief Herb Soule is a big fan.
So far, he says there have been no serious accidents at 291 Hwy and Courtney Road since the camera started keeping tabs back in October. They've issued about 700 tickets. Most people just pay the 85 bucks because the violation does not add "points" to your driving record. Besides, they figure it's hard to dispute the photographic proof.
If you want to try your luck in court, you'll be greeted by a computer-savvy judge. Video of the incident plays before your eyes on a large projector screen. Unless you have a lengthy background argumentation, this is when you pull out your checkbook and drive home with your tail between your legs.
A traffic attorney we spoke with says the system is full of constitutional issues. However, he says people usually aren't willing to spend big bucks to pay an attorney to fight the ticket.
So, is this an effective way to enforce traffic laws?
Ryan Kath
kath@nbcactionnews.com