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Cities View Red Light Cameras As Profit Centers

Posted by timothy on from the criminalize-everything-spread-the-guilt dept.

Houston 2600 writes "Chicago could rake in 'at least $200 million' a year — and wipe out the entire projected deficit for 2009 — by using its vast network of redlight and surveillance cameras to hunt down uninsured motorists, aldermen were told today. The system pitched to the City Council's Transportation Committee by Michigan-based InsureNet would work only if insurance companies were somehow compelled to report the names and license plates of insured motorists. That's already happening daily in 13 states, but not here."

10 of 740 comments (clear)

  1. Side effect by suso · · Score: 4, Funny

    But boy is it safe to drive in Denver now. That's the problem with cities getting greedy, they don't see the positive side of their efforts.

    1. Re:Side effect by jgtg32a · · Score: 4, Funny

      And the guy who was pushed into the intersection is given a ticket for running the red light.

    2. Re:Side effect by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      In fact, unsubstantiated AC claims have been shown to be very reliable 97% of the time.

    3. Re:Side effect by interkin3tic · · Score: 2, Funny

      Simpler solution: use a high powered rifle to drive up the repair costs so that it's no longer profitable.

      Note that this is probably much MUCH more illegal, exept maybe in Texas.

  2. Re:This is a Tax by internerdj · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yeah, but it is a tax on the nasty lawbreakers right? Especially those nasty minority lawbreakers or those nasty lawbreakers who happen to drive flashy extravagant cars. Everyone needs to be taxed except me.

  3. The Internet runs on... by andrewd18 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Most of the profit centers on the internet are red light district cameras, and very few people complain. I don't see how this is any... ... oh.

    Red stoplight cameras. Excuse me.

  4. Re:This is a Tax by greg_barton · · Score: 2, Funny

    I don't care if this particular move disproportionately affects minorities, if they are the ones disproportionately breaking the law.

    I agree.

    Also, whites shouldn't be business owners. The current economic crisis demonstrates that whites can't be responsible in their business dealings. I don't care if this particular move disproportionately affects whites, if they are the ones disproportionately wrecking the economy.

  5. Re:Red light cameras CAUSE ACCIDENTS by loshwomp · · Score: 3, Funny

    That's all great. Do you have any citations to back up your assertions?

  6. Re:Not really... by dfghjk · · Score: 2, Funny

    You have a right to walk upon public highways but not drive? Curious...

  7. Here is what I read in the summary... by Anachragnome · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Insurance Lobby figures out how to use local governments as a vehicle to sell more insurance, as well increase the premiums for existing policies....and pass on the cost of the program to the aforementioned local governments and their citizens."

    Yay for us! Da economicy is saved!