You should know your legal rights if charged with a red light infringement. You may have a defence based on a sudden extraordinary emergency or a reasonable mistake. If you can’t develop a defence, you should consult a legal practitioner with experience in this area.
Red light cameras generated more than $14.7 million in revenue in 2018
While red light cameras can help reduce accidents, there are concerns over their use and inflated revenue. In Australia, the number of red light cameras has been increasing steadily. Last year, they generated more than $14.7 million in revenue. This revenue is used to support the red light camera program. However, the cost of tickets varies from city to city. In some cities, a ticket may cost up to $100.
In addition to generating revenue, red light cameras have other advantages. Studies have shown that cameras reduce the number of total crashes at camera intersections. However, these programs can’t be used to prevent all collisions, and it is essential to look at the overall data from an unbiased source.
A recent study found that red light cameras in Australia surpassed $14.7 million in revenue in 2018. However, some people still object to the technology. The technology is not perfect, and some cameras have inaccurate bookings. In Geelong, a red light camera booked motorists incorrectly for two years, resulting in an additional $2 million in fines. Fortunately, there are several ways to appeal to a red light camera fine. A motorist may write to the transport authority to request an internal review of the fine or apply for an appeal.
Red light cameras have become a standard part of city life in Australia and have successfully decreased traffic accidents. In 2017, they collected more than $14.7 million in revenue for local governments. People who failed to stop at a red light paid many of these fines.
Defences to red light camera fines
There are a few defences to red light camera fines in Australia. First, you can claim that you did not commit the offence. There is a 20% chance of success. Second, you can claim that you were not driving the vehicle when the camera was snapped. Lastly, you can claim that the number plate on the car was partially obscured. You can also argue that you had already entered the intersection when the light changed.
It is important to note that the law assumes red light cameras are accurate, making it difficult for you to defend against the charges successfully. However, the police will often hand over the pictures to the prosecution if they can prove that you violated the law. Nonetheless, you can try to show that the detector was broken or improperly operated. It is not impossible, and you may even be able to get expert help to explain why the camera failed. You may consult jamesonlaw.com.au/traffic-offences/red-light-cameras/ to learn more about this.
Depending on the court, you may receive an infringement notice and incur a $439 fine and three demerit points. However, if you are in a position to fight the infringement, you can elect to appear in court. The verdict will be based on the facts of the case.
Woolmer won his appeal in Magistrates Court when he argued that the red light camera had not been tested while his vehicle was passing through the intersection while the light was red. Moreover, he argued that SAPOL had not performed a proper camera test to ensure accuracy.
However, it is essential to note that the court’s judgement in South Australia can apply to other red light camera laws. The judge has also stated that strict application of regulations is required for the installation of red light cameras in other states. As a result, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced driver’s licence appeal lawyer before paying the fine.
Red light speed cameras record the speed of drivers, where they are travelling, and the direction of travel. They also detect a vehicle’s number plate, which allows them to take a clear picture of it. Once a camera is installed, the fine amount can increase depending on the vehicle’s speed, and the distance travelled.
If you do not have the money to pay the fine, you can try to negotiate an exemption with Revenue NSW. The revenue agency can also reclaim money from your bank account or Centrelink payments. You can also request a payment plan from the court. However, it is essential to remember that you can get a warrant if you fail to pay the fine. So, make sure you follow the advice of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
