Still waiting for info on red light tickets
I'm still waiting to find out how drivers who erroneously received red light tickets at a Westside intersection can remedy their situation.
The problem with the tickets is that until Nov. 18, drivers passing through the intersection of Ninth Street and Mount Vernon Avenue were not given enough time to stop. Police acknowledged in a recent TV news report that the yellow light interval was one-half second too short. A red light camera system snapped photos of drivers who received tickets despite the timing error.
The error has already prompted city officials to announce that citations issued before the yellow light problem was corrected will be dismissed. However's it's still not clear what procedures need to be followed so motorists can clear their driving records and get their money back.
Echoing Police Capt. Scott Paterson, City Attorney James F. Penman said Thursday that the tickets will be dismissed. He said late in the day that his office was waiting to hear from court officials what people need to do to clear their cases.
It was not certain if drivers need to visit San Bernardino County Superior Court to resolve their situation. Generally, drivers who fail to take care of a ticket by legal deadlines get arrest warrants, so it may be necessary for people to go to court even though the fines will not be collected.
Another issue is how drivers who already paid tickets will be able to get their money back. Word is that the City Manager's office is handling that work. SB Now has left a message with the responsible employee and is waiting for additional details.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
The Red Light Cameras pose as many questions as they do fines. Watching the traffic flow at the Kendal and University Parkway intersection, I have witnessed City Buses set off the strobe flash as they have stopped beyond the “pedestrian hold line” prior to proceeding into their right turn. I have also witnessed the Sheriff Dept pickup truck roll through the right turn on red, causing the strobe to fire and the Sheriff’s truck never stop for the red light. No apparent emergency was being responded to as I caught this vehicle on University waiting at the next light. So what gives? Are there multi sets of “rules”? Does the City of San Bernardino extend a “professional courtesy” to these agencies by not presenting them with the same opportunity to line the City’s coffers? If not, how are fines collected?
So, what ARE the rules? To whom do they apply? If you are in an “official vehicle” (City, County or State) are you immune from getting cited for breaking the imaginary hold line for traffic? If you enter the intersection on a yellow, do you receive a fine? Who sets the fines? $450 seems like a bit much and gives off the notion that the City is just out to gouge the public with this very questionable money making scheme. It reminds me of the small town speed traps you find in the Midwest. If you are from out of state, you get a fine regardless if you were speeding.
Yes, the traffic cameras make lots of money for the city but is this policy in the best interest of our City? San Bernardino has such a good (I want to live there reputation) already (NOT) do we need to compound our good reputation by these Police State Actions?
Lastly I would like to see the accident figures for the intersections of 30th and Waterman as well as Waterman and 40th Street for a year’s time BEFORE and AFTER these traffic cameras were installed. I do not think they improve the safety of the intersection, they just grub money from whoever transit these intersections.
The Red Light Cameras pose as many questions as they do fines. Watching the traffic flow at the Kendal and University Parkway intersection, I have witnessed City Buses set off the strobe flash as they have stopped beyond the “pedestrian hold line” prior to proceeding into their right turn. I have also witnessed the Sheriff Dept pickup truck roll through the right turn on red, causing the strobe to fire and the Sheriff’s truck never stop for the red light. No apparent emergency was being responded to as I caught this vehicle on University waiting at the next light. So what gives? Are there multi sets of “rules”? Does the City of San Bernardino extend a “professional courtesy” to these agencies by not presenting them with the same opportunity to line the City’s coffers? If not, how are fines collected?
So, what ARE the rules? To whom do they apply? If you are in an “official vehicle” (City, County or State) are you immune from getting cited for breaking the imaginary hold line for traffic? If you enter the intersection on a yellow, do you receive a fine? Who sets the fines? $450 seems like a bit much and gives off the notion that the City is just out to gouge the public with this very questionable money making scheme. It reminds me of the small town speed traps you find in the Midwest. If you are from out of state, you get a fine regardless if you were speeding.
Yes, the traffic cameras make lots of money for the city but is this policy in the best interest of our City? San Bernardino has such a good (I want to live there reputation) already (NOT) do we need to compound our good reputation by these Police State Actions?
Lastly I would like to see the accident figures for the intersections of 30th and Waterman as well as Waterman and 40th Street for a year’s time BEFORE and AFTER these traffic cameras were installed. I do not think they improve the safety of the intersection, they just grub money from whoever transit these intersections.
Does this affect the red light cameras on Kendall too?