NJ Red-Light Camera Pilot Program Closed To New Towns [AUDIO]

Municipalities looking to take part in New Jersey's controversial red light camera program, it is closed to new towns.

State Senator Michael Doherty and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon issued the reminder today. Meanwhile, the pair is calling on the State Department of Transportation to stop issuing additional permits to towns that are already participating.

"The pilot program is limited to 25 towns and 25 towns have already signed up and installed these red light cameras," said Doherty. "Additional towns at this stage are not going to be able to install the cameras even if they wanted to. No local officials should be wasting their time, or their taxpayers money, continuing to pursue these flawed devices. We also don't want any of the participating towns to be able to install additional cameras."

In late June, Governor Christie suspended all but 22 of the 85 cameras in New Jersey after it was determined that the yellow lights at those intersections might not have given motorists enough time to get through. Last month, after the supposed re-certifications, O'Scanlon hired an engineer to assess yellow light timing and found numerous flaws in the system.

"We have proven that there are major flaws with this program and that these cameras are about money, not safety. The idea is to fix the pilot program so, at the very least, people aren't getting ripped off because of any confusion over yellow light timing," said O'Scanlon. "If we're going to get the public to buy into the legitimacy of even the pilot program, we have to make sure that yellow light times are fair. That's why we believe the DOT ought to hold off on issuing any permits for additional cameras until the ambiguity surrounding the program can be cleared up."

Meanwhile, Warren Township has given the green light to a resolution in support of Doherty's legislation which calls for a ban on the use of red light cameras in New Jersey.

"While some towns are enamored with the idea that they can use red light cameras to turn their residents into cash cows, it's clear that others like Warren Township are willing to take a stand for what is right," said Doherty. "Citizens across New Jersey should demand that their local elected officials follow the lead of Warren Township and say 'no' to red light cameras."

Doherty has launched an online petition in support of his legislation to ban the cameras. So far, more than 5,000 people have signed it. The petition can be accessed online.