Tommy Wells plans to revisit speed-camera fines

As both Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) and former mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) have expanded traffic cameras in the District, the revenue they generate for the city has soared. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, the cameras brought in a record $55 million in fiscal 2011 and are expected to far exceed that figure this year. Wells (D-Ward 6) said some fines have risen by as much as 500 percent over the past five years. Worried that the city now views the cameras as a tax instead of a safety device, Wells said the task force will work this summer to find the appropriate balance between safety and revenue.

"The goal of assuring safety has been eclipsed by the government's dependence upon the revenue generated by high fines," Wells said. "With the use of cameras assuring stricter enforcement of our traffic laws, the need for high fines should be revisited." Some pedestrian and bicycling activists could also question a lowering of fines, arguing that they serve as a deterrent against reckless motorists. Though city finances are stable,5.6 inch Color video door phone recent budget debates have shown that the council can get bogged down for days over how to find a few million dollars in a $9.4 billion budget.

Wells plans to use the task force recommendations to revisit the fine issue this fall when the council returns from summer recess.2.7 Car Black 1080P HD Car Dvr With Night Vision Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), chairwoman of the transportation committee,3G Remote Alarm Camera With Two,Way Video Intercom and council Chairman Phil Mendelson (I-At Large) would probably have to align with Wells on the issue before it received serious consideration.A chief concern could be whether the city can afford to decrease fines.