Feelings Mixed 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:

Thomas J. Lynch: Agree, zero value in law enforcement or behavior modification or keeping the public safe. It's 100% revenue generation and stealing from legitimate licensed taxpayers and homeowners. They are visual pollution, potentially dangerous lights flashing, and ugly signage as well. ZERO value to the public who pays these fines - the illegals, scofflaws and uninsured and those with no license LOVE IT!: why do they care? No cop there to pull them over and get arrested???? I was just sitting at the light, btw. I've been driving since 1976 no accidents and no tickets since 1977 and I've driven in almost every country in the Western Hemisphere and also through most of Europe and I am highly distracted by the flashing white light that is going off in the middle of the day for no reason. I think many have been drinking the Kool-Aid on the value of these lights as. Studies prove there is none especially weeks after the infraction. just revenue and poorer townsfolk and richer town boards.

Donna Indelicato: If you obey the law and drive responsibly it shouldn't make a difference. Unfortunately we the people and our unlawful hurried driving have caused the need for change. I have also lived here for many years and have seen the change in the busy congested roads and agree we need help to slow down the drivers who tried to make the yellow lights or just simply go though the red.

Kathy Benjamin Foley: Yes ugly-- but it makes you think about your driving -- cameras don't lie.

Liz Rodman La: Money maker...ripping us off as usual AND makes drivers more nervous thus causing accidents.

Judy Guihan Coogan: I think it's needed! I know my habits have changed due to the cameras. I now stop at all yellow lights as opposed to going through them.

Gigi Lento Brinkmann McNally: Yes needed because people need to drive safer!!

Richard Adkins: Just feels very intrusive to local residents who have traveled these roads for many years...to now have something monitoring you and waiting for you to slip up so they can squeeze the over taxed homeowners out of another 100 bucks. Do we not already pay 100k plus salariess to police officers who would normally take this responsibily? I see the good in it too...but its over the top..and I say nay nay.

Carmen Getchaone Kennels: Not needed just another way to make money ....that we don't see our roads look like crap smh.

Mike Sanchez: Highways are now even more dangerous due to these. Flashing lights can cause epileptics to go into seizures too.

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