Decreasing camera tickets proves safety

This letter is neither for nor against traffic cameras. It's about how to measure the results. City officials say it's about safety, not income.

Cedar Rapids was recently noted for adding something like eight additional traffic cameras. To date, well over a half-million dollars of tickets have been issued. USA Today, Oct. 21, reported Cedar Rapids is considering sending unpaid tickets to a collection agency.

Safety or income as camera justification comes down to how you measure the results. Measurement is not about the percentage of wrecks (increased or decreased). It's clearly about the volume of tickets issued related to these cameras. If the cameras truly enhance safety, then the number of camera tickets issued should be driven to almost zero. Consider every ticket issued represents a potential wreck. If the volume of tickets issued does not go to near zero, then the cameras are income.

Richard Wall

Murfreesboro, Tenn.