Locals Have Mixed Feelings About New Red Light Camera in Mt. Sinai

Late last month residents noticed a new sign going up at the intersection of Route 25A and Coram-Mt. Sinai Road in Mt. Sinai. The sign warned that the traffic light there would be "photo enforced." This camera follows others in the area that have vexed many residents.

The Red Light Safety Program Frequently Asked Question page says that the cameras use a sensor to recognize vehicles that run the red light, taking a picture of the rear license plate as the vehicle passes. These cameras also record an eight second video clip of the infraction. 

The owner of the vehicle will receive a ticket in the mail within a few months of the violation, including a picture of the offending vehicle's license plate.

Lawmakers have argued that these cameras make roads safer, but some have expressed their doubts. Here is what a few of them had to say when we asked about it on Facebook:

Eddie Golden: Depending on the timing of these photo enforced lights which I believe is mostly just a big money making scheme and I am sure the money made is not being put to good use. Anyway I find instead of making the roads safer, they make them more dangerous because to avoid a $25, $50 or $100 ticket people (including myself) will slam on their brakes which will dramatically increase the chances of being rear ended! meanwhile for most of us that would have went through a yellow light perhaps turning red or is red, the other cars have not started to even more yet, it's a none issue for most drivers ... and this is causing new issues now that were never present before!

Kathi Kehoe Needles: A waste , more dangerous slamming on the brakes

Robert Swain: They need to go away all traffic camera's need to go away!!!

Alex Vavas: Just don't pay the ticket, it's issued by a private company, not the state or local government.

Lisa Turano Pfeffer: There are so many accidents there because of people running red lights, so yeah, I think it's necessary!

John Yeamans: http://www.atsol.com/ This is where most of the revenue from these cameras goes. Thank your politicians for the export of your dollars out of state. They probably got a nice bonus for the deal which could be done for less by a local officer.

Carolyn Musmacher: It seems like no one is turning now, now even after stopping on red. So the traffic is all backed up.

Jennifer Kreitner Testa: Lots of accidents at that intersection so I think it's a good thing. People will think twice before blowing the light.

Paula Ana Simoes: I don't think they do much to stop accidents at all. I think they are a grand scam and until someone really gets fed they will just keep putting these on My husband has gotten 2 ,one at 6:15 in the morning and one of the pics clocks him at 40 mph with the red brake lights on turning right on the red, it is impossible to make that right at 40 mph, he would flip his car and go rolling down the street but to fight it , there is loss of work hours , and how do you prove it without statistics and a lawyer. Yes he turned on the red and probably did not come to a full stop so he deserved the ticket but don't photoshop a pic. We commented to a few friends and --2 of our friends have the same exact thing . It's a bit too coincidental.

Doug Austin: This is a slippery slope, what's to stop them from putting speed gun cameras around everywhere and mailing you speeding tickets also. big brother abounds. Maybe even robot cops one day.

How do you feel about this new red light camera? Have you seen it? Tell us in the comments below.