Significant changes could be coming to the roads of Washington, D.C., as the Trump administration is considering removing traffic cameras throughout the district.
The Department of Transportation is proposing an initiative that would halt the use of traffic enforcement cameras on the streets of Washington, D.C., according to Politico. The decision to do so would likely be welcomed by the city’s commuters or just drivers passing through town. However, it could cost the city millions of dollars in revenue that is generated by traffic violations detected by the cameras.
Over the last three fiscal years, traffic cameras throughout Washington, D.C., have generated over $620 million in revenue through traffic violations, said Eric Balliet, a spokesperson for Washington, D.C.’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Politico reported. It is a substantial revenue generator.
Fines for violations detected by traffic cameras range from $100 to $500, depending on the magnitude of the infraction. Penalties start at exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 miles per hour on city roads and typically involve a fine of $100. Currently, there are 546 cameras throughout Washington, D.C., according to Politico.
There have reportedly been some grumblings about reducing the use of cameras throughout the city in recent years. None has ultimately been successful, however. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) is a proponent of removing the district’s traffic cameras, claiming they do little to increase safety and instead are just “revenue generators.”
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“Automated traffic enforcement is being used to generate revenue, not enhance safety,” said Perry. “Cities like Washington, D.C., that depend on automated traffic enforcement revenue to balance their budgets are proof that the policy isn’t about the safety of residents and visitors; it’s about fleecing people without representation or fair due process.”
“It’s un-American and should be abolished,” Perry said.
