Savannah to Get More Red Light Cameras

SAVANNAH, GA: If you have a habit of running red lights listen up.
The City of Savannah is getting ready to add two more red light cameras to their arsenal.
They say they've helped cut down on serious accidents but some are not sold on what they call the big brother device.
News Three’s Community Reporter Alice Massimi breaks it down.

It doesn't matter whether you're photogenic or even like getting your picture taken.
These cameras don't care.
All they're worried about is whether you run a red light.
Set up at four intersections throughout Savannah they've proved to be an effective tool.
“It slows people down and makes them conscious of not running a red light and there fore it cuts down on the accidents,” explains City Manager Michael Brown and the numbers support it.
For example at Abercorn and DeRenne the total number of accidents in 2004 before the red light camera was installed - seventy two
In 2008 after the camera was put up there were only 44.
“We have found there has been a decline in accidents overall in the locations where there are red light cameras, there have not been any fatalities at those red light locations,” points out SCMPD Spokesperson Veda Nichols.
Because of the good track record the city is adding two more cameras...one at Abercorn and West Montgomery Crossroads and another at DeRenne and Abercorn.
Not about making money the city says it's about saving lives...of drivers and those protecting us.
“They put them in locations where it's difficult for the traffic officers to monitor the traffic and then to be able to get into the traffic and give a citation,” says Nichols.
Yet there are those who don't like big brother watching them on the roadways.
“I think people know that sometimes big brother helps keep people safe that they would rather have big brother then getting killed and hurt,” says Brown.

The two new red light cameras will actually be leased.
In the past the city purchased the cameras but because of possible state legislation to end the red light camera program the city is erring on the side of caution.