Cameras Police Traffic Argue People Stop Shown Department

Police departments often use "traffic cameras" to take "detect" (find or see) "traffic violations" (instances where people are breaking the laws related to driving) automatically, without the presence of police officers. These cameras can read "license plate numbers" (the identifying letters and numbers shown on the rectangular piece of metal on the front and back of a car) so that the police department can send a "citation" (ticket) to the address shown on the car's "registration" (record of who owns a car registered with the state's department of motor vehicles).

The cameras are especially good at detecting cars that "speed" (are driven too quickly), drive in a "bus lane" (the part of the street that should be used only by busses), "run a red light" (does not stop when the light is red), or do not stop at a stop sign. Often the cameras are "mounted" (held up; attached to something) at busy intersections, but they can also be mounted to police cars.

"Critics" (people who do not like something) argue that traffic cameras "violate" individuals' right to privacy. They believe that the cameras could be used to "track" (follow; observe and monitor) where individuals are. Other people argue that the cameras are unreliable and that the "evidence" (proof) they collect cannot be "admitted in a court of law" (used in court).

Other people argue that traffic cameras are installed as "revenue-generating" (designed to bring in money) "devices" (tools). They argue that it is more important for police officers to "patrol" (be present on a route) an area and maintain public safety, rather than just having machines detect traffic violations.