Red light traffic cameras are expected to be opposed by the Ypsilanti City Council at tonight’s meeting. This could lead to a ban on the technology.
Red light traffic cameras can photograph a car committing a traffic violation and automatically issue a ticket.
For some, this can be an efficient way to enforce traffic laws. Others, like Ypsilanti City Council member Brian Jones-Chance of the First Ward, see it as a violation of privacy and a government money grab.
“I think the main benefit to these kinds of devices is really just increased revenue for the city. I don’t see that there’s really much benefit to be had, and there are some downsides. And weighing everything, it just doesn’t seem like an appropriate use of resources.”
Jones-Chance says the Ypsilanti Police should focus on more important issues, like violence.
Also on the agenda for tonight’s meeting, a vote on whether to create a moratorium on new marijuana businesses in the city.
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