Politics & Government

Council Eyes Second Red Light Camera

A second traffic camera could be installed at Rues Lane and Route 18

The Township Council is considering yet another red-light traffic camera, this one at the intersection of Rues Lane and Route 18,

“New Jersey authorized a few municipalities to install red light enforcement cameras at various intersections that meet state (Department of Transportation) requirements, and East Brunswick was one of those municipalities,” said Township Administrator Jim White. “We have one working intersection at Route 18 and Tices, and we are now looking to expand that to a second location, which is at Route 18 and Rues Lane.”

Since it went live, 10,384 traffic violations have been issued for a total of $902,668, with the township and county each receiving $285,560 and the remainder going to the state and ATS.

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Councilwoman Camille Ferraro and Councilman James Wendell said they support a new camera, while Mayor David Stahl spoke of the current camera’s effectiveness.

“I was primarily a no on this, but after discussion I see the advantage of a camera at either end of 18 for investigative purposes,” said Wendell.

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Wendell was referring to the fact that law enforcement officials have said they would be able to use video to find vehicles involved in various violations, including hit and runs.

Councilman Michael Hughes, however, said there is no way he could support a new camera, and suggested that a speed limit/traffic study be conducted on Route 18 and that all of the intersection signals are recalibrated so drivers have an extra second to make it through a yellow light.

“I have to be contrarian and disagree,” he said Monday. “They’re a pet peeve of mind and I’m sure many others and I never like seeing them. I don’t buy the argument that people are running red lights consciously and people are choosing to go through a dangerous intersection. Most people who run reds and get into horrible accidents are doing so cause they’re not paying attention and I don’t think ticketing people is all of sudden going to make them pay attention to a red light you blew through because you’re having a bad day.”

The council will introduce an ordinance to approve the camera at a future meeting.


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