Editorial: Red light cameras ... it's best to take it slower when expanding program

When cameras started focusing on red-light runners in Collier County at its busiest intersection — Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads — we acknowledged the concern of others it would be a money-maker as much or more so than a public safety ally.

Yet, the peril caused to motorists from daredevils eager to save a few seconds, and the opportunity to nab more of them in the absence of actual law enforcement officers, justified the pilot program, in our view.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office did a thorough, methodical job of public information. Motorists were advised there would be a month-long grace period before the mailed photos of infractions would require payment of fines starting May 31.

Officials explained how the cameras would work.

They explained how motorists would be OK if they enter big intersections on green or yellow, even if the light is red by the time they get to the other side. Everything seemed clear and fair.

Now comes word that the camera program is to be expanded. And how.

Officials say cameras will be up and running by the end of this month or the beginning of August at seven more intersections.

One school of thought is that if the test is working satisfactorily, there is no reason to deny other intersections the same protection. Just tell people where the cameras are coming. It isn't complicated: Stop at red lights or you'll get a ticket.

Still, there is perception.

It would be more productive, it seems to us, for the Sheriff's Office to gradually phase in additional cameras — educating the public over and over again as we go — rather than move from one to eight monitored intersections just like that.

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