Starting summer, some reckless drivers on Oahu – and maybe some day on Kaua’i – will be on state officials’ version of Candid Camera, and their appearance could be costly. Digital cameras coupled with laser technology will determine an errant
Starting summer, some reckless drivers on Oahu – and maybe some day on Kaua’i – will be on state officials’ version of Candid Camera, and their appearance could be costly.
Digital cameras coupled with laser technology will determine an errant vehicle’s speed and capture images of drivers and their car’s license plates.
Using the digitized images as evidence, citations will be mailed to the vehicle owners.
The $2 million, two-year pilot project isn’t projected to cost the state any money. Redflex Traffic Systems of San Francisco, the program’s operator, takes its cut from each traffic ticket.
The basic state fine for speeding or running a red light is $77.
State authorities claim the pilot program, if effective, will enhance traffic safety by allowing police officers to devote their time to other motorway problems.
The American Civil Liberties Union said it isn’t opposed to the cameras as long as they are operated within stated parameters.
Vanessa Chong, ACLU’s state executive director, said surveillance shouldn’t be expanded beyond traffic safety.
In England, cameras are posted above many urban streets and videotapes of muggings and street assaults are admissible in court.
Kaua`i Police Department traffic division officials said Wednesday they had heard of no plans to use the cameras on Kaua`i.
State Department of Transportation officials on Kaua`i said there are no plans to try the program here this year. But they said if the program is successful on Oahu this summer, they would expect Kaua`i to have a trial run later.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and dwilken@pulitzer.net The Associated Press contributed to this report.
