News Release - Statement of Mayor Thomas S. Richards on Supreme Court Ruling that Red Light Cameras are Constitutional

City of Rochester

News Release



(Monday, Nov. 4, 2013) – I am very pleased with Friday’s decision by Supreme Court Justice Scott Odorisi who ruled that Rochester’s Red Light Camera Traffic Safety Program is constitutional. The program will continue in full effect. This ruling allows the City to continue enforcing the serious problem of red light violations to improve public safety and keep more of our police officers free to perform other duties.

Judge Odorisi clearly understood our red light violation process and determined that the City meets all due process requirements, that all of our procedures are civil in nature and that we can adopt this tool in managing public safety.

In establishing the procedures of this program, we studied and learned from other cities that have this program. Full and fair hearings are conducted and Judge Odorisi recognized that the Red Light Camera System is set up for public safety purposes.

We are attempting to cut down on the number of motorists running red lights—the consequences of which range from serious property damage to severe injuries to drivers, passengers and pedestrians. The orderly movement of traffic in our city presumes people will follow the rules of the road, to include stopping at red lights. This is another tool that helps us enforce vehicle and traffic law and make our roads safer.

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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Gary Walker at 428-7405.
 

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Crime Prevention