Call ‘red light’ on federally funded revenue traps

OPINION:

The federal government is incredibly skilled at one thing finding new and abhorrent ways to waste your hard-earned tax dollars. Here’s one way you might not be aware of: federally funding automatic traffic enforcement systems like red light and speed cameras in Washington, D.C. and across our nation.

These photo enforcement programs are revenue positive, so while American taxpayers foot the bill for the installation and management of these systems, D.C. and other localities use the fines incurred by drivers to subsidize the mismanagement of resources elsewhere. The suppliers behind these systems typically install the cameras in exchange for a share of the profits, and D.C. and other localities use the remainder of the profits to address budget shortfalls, thus forcing Americans to pay for a revenue-generating program that benefits the budgets of wasteful localities.

But don’t these systems make our roads safer? Not necessarily. Photo enforcement programs enable reckless drivers to stay on the road after breaking traffic laws in school zones and neighborhoods, as long as they pay a fine. What incentive is there for localities to reduce or deter traffic violations when the perpetuation of those violations covers budget deficits? I support holding dangerous drivers accountable, but the federal government’s funding of automatic traffic enforcement systems doesn’t guarantee or increase public safety; rather, it’s a revenue trap for localities.

I introduced legislation to ban the Department of Transportation from using taxpayer funds to promote automated traffic enforcement programs. I’ve also introduced appropriations amendments to prohibit federal funds from being used for automated traffic enforcement in D.C. and at the Department of Transportation.

Traffic regulations and enforcement must be based on genuine safety considerations, not bankrolling budgetary excesses while sticking the American taxpayer with the tab.

It’s time to end federally funded red light and speed cameras.

• Rep. Scott Perry, R-Penn., serves on the U.S. House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure, where he also is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.