Red light cameras have been controversial throughout their lifetime. Besides angering motorists, there isn’t much evidence that they work as intended. Los Angeles is now considering getting rid of the cameras as more and more evidence shows that accidents increase at intersections with red light cameras.

An audit last year questioned the effectiveness of the program, finding that a majority of citations have gone uncollected. Commissioner Alan Skobin says that since the courts don’t pursue drivers who refuse to pay the tickets, the camera program lacks enforcement power.

The board’s decision could shut down the cameras in days unless the City Council decides to strip the commission of its authority on the issue and decide whether to continue the program.

I suspect if the city of Los Angeles had a way to enforce these cameras and collect the fines, they might not be taken down as a waste of money.