No Benefit from Red Light Cameras, Says Study

Safety isn't improved by the things, researchers find

New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers have updated their analysis of the effectiveness of red light cameras in Las Cruces. Despite their best efforts, the results of the interim study presented to the city council Monday failed to find any clear and convincing evidence that the red light camera program that began in March 2009 has had a beneficial impact on safety.

The analysis looked at the four original photo enforced intersections and compared their performance to six camera-free intersections that served as a control. The data covered three years prior to enforcement and three years following, with the numbers controlled for the volume of traffic. The researchers concluded accidents decreased at one intersection and increased at three others. Overall, the statistical analysis showed a negative impact to the program.