Massachusetts Could Greenlight Local Traffic Camera Enforcement

I hate traffic cameras. They give me the creeps. It's as though someone is watching your every move and is ready to pounce if you step out of line. It's just too "Big Brother" for me. If you want to catch me speeding, put a cop out there.

Rhode Island, where my in-laws live, uses traffic cameras. I feel spied upon whenever I visit.

Massachusetts lawmakers have considered allowing local communities to install traffic cameras to catch speeders, red light jumpers and other roadway offenders. While tempting, it's a way to generate more revenue from hard-working residents, the legislature has been reluctant to act.

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That could change as pending legislation (S.2344, H.3754) would grant cities and towns the authority to establish an automated traffic camera system to issue violations.

Twenty-five states already use automated enforcement technology, according to testimony presented at a legislative hearing last week.

State House News Service reported that Transportation for Massachusetts Senior Policy Director Pete Wilson told the hearing, "These programs are about changing behavior, not raising revenue."

Wilson told the Transportation Committee hearing, "In New York, they've reported a 94 percent reduction in speed in areas with camera enforcement."

"Research by the National Highway Safety Administration indicates that automated speed enforcement cameras, on average, can reduce speed by 20 to 25 percent [and] crashes by 30 to 40 percent," Wilson said.

Governor Maura Healey's budget proposes funding for traffic cameras to issue fines for speeding, and former Gov. Charlie Baker supported legislation to allow local communities to use traffic cameras.

It's not clear what recommendation, if any, the Transportation Committee will give to the proposed legislation.