The city of Boynton Beach will soon be installing cameras at several major intersection in order to make citations for cars that run red lights. The fine is a hefty $125, so think twice before catching the light at the last moment! There have been many disagreements with the system, with some critics saying the method of fining is questionable, and others disagree with having a machine regulate the law. 
So how does it work, and why would anyone have an issue with it? Well, the cameras capture images of the license plate numbers in order to proceed with fines, however, the photographs include much more. These images can identify drivers and passengers, as well as other behaviors inside the car. An invasion of privacy? Many argue yes, however, as long as these images cannot be used against someone for anything other than traffic light violation, there should be no issue.
Another major issue that has been discussed in many of the major states that have already installed such cameras, is the integrity of some these surveillance companies. It was made clear by Boynton Beach commissioners that the system would not really cost the city anything, as most of the money would go to the companies who install these devices. And because of this, when being installed, the timing of the lights are changed so that the amount of time the light is “yellow” before changing to “red” is minimal, intentionally done-so in order to try to increase the number of violations to increase their revenues. However, also in return, this causes many rear-end collisions at these traffic lights, since drivers must suddenly stop without much notice. So is this a trade-off from one type of accident to another?
Such surveillance cameras have already been installed in Palm Beach County at Delray Beach. It is now only a matter of time as the city plans when and where these new cameras will be installed in Boynton Beach. So drive careful!
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