OOIDA Call to Action - New Jersey Members
February 6, 2007

Heads up, New Jersey truckers! A bill in the New Jersey Senate could lead to red-light cameras popping up in communities around the state. It is extremely important to speak out against this revenue-generating mechanism.

Existing state law prohibits use of camera radar by law enforcement officers or agencies. But, the Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to consider a bill - S2123 - the morning of Thursday, Feb. 8, that would remove the restriction to allow counties and cities to use photo-red enforcement at certain traffic signals.

Supporters of photo enforcement say it encourages compliance with the law and saves lives by reducing collisions. But don't be fooled. A study paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed rear-end crashes actually increased in cities with red-light cameras, as motorists stopped abruptly at yellow lights to avoid tickets.

Not to mention the fact the motivation of every player in this deal is economics. Whether it's the local jurisdiction or the manufacturer: That's not reasonable justification for posting these cameras.

Please take time now to share your concerns with the members of the Senate Transportation Committee prior to their meeting Thursday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. EST. Contact information is listed below.

Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco, chairman
Phone: (201)-295-0200
E-mail: SenSacco@njleg.org

Sen. Fred. H. Madden, vice chairman
Phone: (856)-227-5900
E-mail: SenMadden@njleg.org

Sen. Ellen Karcher
Phone: (732)-462-8883
E-mail: SenKarcher@njleg.org

Sen. Andrew R. Ciesla
Phone: (732)-840-9028
E-mail: SenCiesla@njleg.org

Sen. Henry P. McNamara
Phone: (201)-848-9600
E-mail: SenMcNamara@njleg.org