Canandaigua residents continue debating red light cameras after city council approval: No timeline for state approval yet

Canandaigua City Council has initiated steps toward potentially installing red light cameras on city streets, aiming to enhance public safety amid reported increases in red light violations. The council recently approved a resolution to request state permission, a necessary precursor to conducting a private study on the city’s traffic light intersections. This decision stems from an observed uptick in drivers running red lights, an issue that has become more pronounced in the post-Covid era, according to Councilman Michael Mills. However, Mills emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions, focusing first on the extent of the problem, the associated risks, and the potential costs.

Public opinion on the potential introduction of red light cameras in Canandaigua is mixed. While some residents recognize the safety benefits, they also express reservations about the effectiveness and awareness of drivers at fault. The city’s exploration into red light cameras is reminiscent of the now-terminated program in Rochester, which ended in 2016 due to concerns over its fairness, particularly in impoverished areas.

The future of red light cameras in Canandaigua hinges on several factors, including state approval for the study and the subsequent findings. City leaders aim to thoroughly assess the necessity, potential impacts, and public sentiment before making any final decisions on implementing the technology. As the process unfolds, Canandaigua joins other cities nationwide in debating the balance between public safety benefits and the concerns raised by such surveillance measures.