Kean Wants To Kill Red Light Program

Assemblyman Sean Kean wants to kill the Red Light Camera Program and has requested to sign on to a bill that would do just that, along with another that would significantly alter the program that has installed cameras at some traffic lights throughout the state designed to nab red-light runners.

Kean, R-Monmouth, said in a release that he intends to sign on to Assembly Bill 3285, which would increase the timing of yellow lights by a full second at intersections that have a red light camera system, lower the current fine for making an illegal right turn on a red light from $85 to $20 and allow a ½-second grace period once a light has turned from amber to red, according to a release.

The bill, sponsored by fellow Republican Declan O’Scanlon, is in the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. It has not yet had a hearing.

Kean, who voted against the original bill that allowed the camera program, in the release said he was always wary of the program.

“Corrections to the program must be made to ensure fairness,” Kean said in the release. “The objective is to promote traffic safety, not become a revenue generator.”

Kean in the release said he has also requested to sign on to A-2996, a bill that would repeal the red light program entirely and prohibit future programs in New Jersey. The bill also is authored by O’Scanlon.

“Ideally, I would like to see the entire red light camera program repealed,” Kean said in the release. “I have a problem with the fact that a person cannot face their accuser when they are issued a ticket for running a red light. This practice distorts the justice system.”