I just received this email alert from the National Motorists Association:

I just received this email alert from the National Motorists Association:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Dear NMA Members,

This is a quick note to let you know that our efforts against red light cameras have garnered national notice.

Eric Skrum, NMA Communications Director, just finished taping an interview for NBC Nightly News regarding red light cameras in Virginia.

Just last week, the Virginia House of Delegates refused to renew their camera program. NBC wanted to discuss this and the issue of whether red light cameras actually increase safety, so they came to the most vocal opposition of red light cameras they could find… the NMA.

We won’t see the final product until it airs, but Eric felt confidant that he was able to articulate NMA’s many arguments with the cameras. We’ll just have to wait to see which 10 seconds they choose to use!

If you wish to catch the program, we have been told that it will air tomorrow (February 22, 2005) on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams at 5:30 central time.

Best regards,

James Baxter
NMA President
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I remember correctly, the cameras were only used in two cities, one in Northern VA and my home town, VA Beach. Needless to say I have read and heard all the pros and cons on the cameras from many sources. After the debates and such I must say I really like them. They really helped clean up those dangerous intersections. My father had no arguement when he received his ticket in the mail.

The cameras are actually poping up in a few intersections in Northern VA. Not just one city.

Here in Maryland, they are having a hard time keeping them up. People are pulling them down with tow ropes attached to their vehicles. Some people are even spray painting the lens of the camera with black spray paint.

I heard you can get your butt in a serious sling for doing so. Wow!

None of that garbage here. I guess they are just alittle too high and at very busy intersections.

Update: Va. Red-Light Camera Bill Still Alive

Va. Red-Light Camera Bill Still Alive
Measure Heads To House Floor

POSTED: 3:58 pm EST February 23, 2005
UPDATED: 4:43 pm EST February 23, 2005

RICHMOND, Va. -- Legislation to keep red-light cameras rolling in Virginia is still alive. Last week, a House of Delegates committee voted to kill a bill that would have extended the program after July 1. But Wednesday, the Senate approved legislation containing an amendment that would keep the red-light enforcement program going.

The measure will now go directly to the House floor for a vote, bypassing the committee that killed the bill.