New Jersey bill would shield drivers from camera enforcement efforts

A new bill in New Jersey is intended to limit the effect of red-light and speed cameras.

The Garden State does not employ the use of ticket cameras. Other states in the Northeast, however, use the automated enforcement methods.

Titled the “Camera Enforcement Inoculation Act,” S2893 would prohibit the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission from providing identifying information for New Jersey-licensed drivers to camera enforcement entities in other states.

Democratic and Republican bill sponsors tout that the rule would make it “impossible” to issue tickets for automated enforcement infractions to New Jersey drivers.

“These camera enforcement schemes have been proven to be about money, not safety,” Sen. Nick Sacco, D-Bergen/Hudson, said in prepared remarks.

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, added that there is “overwhelming proof that red-light and speed cameras don’t improve safety.”

“Every competent, independent, rigorous study done to date has shown that there is a net decrease in safety when these systems are employed,” O’Scanlon said. “There is absolutely no reason why New Jersey should be complicit in these corrupt, highway robbery schemes.”

The bill awaits assignment to committee.

Speed cameras to return?
One Assembly bill would permit the use of speed enforcement cameras in his state’s highway work zones.

Ticket cameras are not a new issue in the Garden State. About two dozen communities throughout New Jersey employed more than 70 red-light cameras through 2014. The controversial five-year program was sunset at that time.

Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti, D-Hudson, introduced a bill early this year to bring back automated ticketing. Specifically, the legislation would create a five-year pilot program to use traffic cameras in work zones.

Automated enforcement cameras would be used to detect drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 11 mph when workers are present. Registered owners of vehicles found in violation would receive $100 fines in the mail. No points would be added to a driver’s record.

Three-quarters of the fine revenue would be allotted to the New Jersey State Police. About half of their allotment would be designated to pay for additional police presence in work zones.

Sen. Nick Scutari, D-Linden, did not mince words when sharing his thoughts on the use of ticket cameras.

“Don’t let anyone fool you – it’s got nothing to do with safety. It’s all about the dollars,” Scutari stated.

The bill, A3082, is in the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

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