According to a source in City Hall, the push for red light cameras has lost momentum since the home-rule measure was passed in Albany and approved by the Common Council this past spring.

Since then, one traffic surveillance company, Redflex, has met on more than one occasion with council members to voice their displeasure at this foot-dragging. They’d stand to make a lot of money on a deal with the city, but the city has yet to issue an RFP.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the country where such cameras are already in use, humans are revolting against the machines. Several municipalities are moving to do away with them, while vandalism of the cameras is on the rise around the globe. Tragically, the robots are even managing to turn humans against one another. According to this Washington Post report, “a technician was servicing a speed camera on Loop 101 in Phoenix back in April. An irate motorist shot him to death”

The battle, brothers and sisters, has begun.

Popular 103.3 The Edge radio team Shredd & Ragan continue their opposition to the city’s red light camera plan with a live broadcast from Niagara Square in front of city hall today, from 3-7pm. The plan calls for putting cameras at 50 intersections around the city. City officials, including Mayor Byron Brown, claim it is a safety measure that will simultaneously generate millions of dollars annually through the issuance of $50 tickets.

Protesters are encouraged to “bring themselves, their voices and any signs they may want to create.” But leave the profanity behind.

Council member Richard Fontana and council member/mayoral candidate Mickey Kearns, who has described the camera plan as a “money grab,” are both expected to attend. Shredd & Ragan will be ready for interviews.

Click here to read how 80% of the tickets in L.A. are issued to people making right-on-red turns.

Safety or scam? See you at city hall. Let your voice be heard.

According to City Finance Commissioner Janet Penksa, quoted in yesterday’s Buffalo News, the city’s proposed traffic light cameras will generate $2.75 million annually based on $50 fines. Mayor Byron Brown has been pushing the plan.

That would equal 55,000 tickets yearly. Or, 150 tickets per day, 365 days a year. This “pilot project” will involve 50 surveillance cameras at traffic lights around the city for the next five years.

The home-rule message was approved by the Common Council in a 5-3 vote on Tuesday. Mickey Kearns, David Rivera, and Richard Fontana voted against it.

According to a press release from Assemblymember Sam Hoyt’s office, issued yesterday, the bill will be approved in Albany next week. Antoine Thompson is the sponsor of the measure in the NYS Senate.

The News reports that Common Council members “would have one last chance to approve or reject the initiative,” after it is passed in Albany next week.

Proponents say it is not a “money grab.”

Put another way, the plan will mean an average of a little more than one $50 red light ticket issued every ten minutes, every hour, seven days a week, for the next 1,825 days in the city of Buffalo—totaling $13.75 million dollars in five years.

Penksa said the fines might increase to $75 if they’re paid late.