If you drive in the city of Yakima it won't take long before you notice the number of drivers who run red lights. Earlier this year the Yakima Police Department made a presentation to the city about installing Red Light cameras to help put a stop to the problem.

The plan is to continue emphasis patrols and driver education

However since the council had a discussion in July about the cameras there's been no discussion other than talk among city officials and Yakima Police that the cameras would be a costly investment. Yakima Police say at this point there's no plan to purchase and install Red Light cameras in Yakima.
The Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray spoke with two companies that operate the cameras in the state earlier this year. He talked to them about the red-light cameras and speed cameras to cut down on street racing. However speed cameras can only be placed in school zones so Yakima Police say the cameras would have no impact on local street racers.

The cost is the main reason why city officials haven't yet moved on the cameras

It's different with red-light cameras that take pictures of license plates of vehicles that run red lights and issue citations. To lease the equipment, it costs about $4,500 per month or 54,000 annually per camera. Officials say the cameras could bring in annual revenue of $200,000 in citations. The high costs of installing and operating the cameras are the main reason why the city hasn't committed to Red Light cameras so far this year.

Studies show there are problems with the red light cameras

Studies show that minor damage rear end collisions "greatly" increase because so many people are concerned about getting tickets for not stopping at the lights.  Also, a substantial  back up of traffic happens because of drivers not wanting to make free right turns because they're concerned of tripping the system and getting a citation.

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