End is near for red light cameras in New Jersey

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- Red light photo cameras in New Jersey will be shut down soon.

The cameras are scheduled to stop rolling on December 16th, and they face an uncertain future.

Some drivers, like Paul McNally of Cherry Hill, are thrilled.

"Absolutely. I think it's a crime because half the time you go through a yellow light and you get a ticket in the mail and it's not fair," McNally said.

During the five years of the red light camera pilot program, drivers have complained bitterly about yellow lights that are so short you couldn't help but run the red.

A lawsuit awarded partial refunds to almost half a million violators.

There are two cameras at the intersection of Route 70 and Springdale Road in Cherry Hill. More tickets are issued there than almost anywhere in the state.

In 2013, more than 25,000 drivers were issued citations with penalties of $85 apiece, pumping roughly $2 million into the township's coffers.

"I'm glad to see them go. I believe they were a cash cow for the Township. I know they made a lot of money from it, but that's not the way to make the money," said Dave Woolen of Haddon Township.

Cherry Hill officials were not available for an interview, but tell Action News ending the red light camera program will mean a loss of revenue but the township has budgeted knowing the program would eventually end.

Jim Hill, of Cherry Hill, says he's gotten two red light camera tickets says he's happy to see the program go, but thinks it has been effective.

"I think it makes you more careful. It's an expensive lesson, but yeah I think it makes you more careful," he said.

The legislature would have to pass a law to keep the cameras rolling and no one has introduced a bill to do that. With Gov. Chris Christie leaning against continuing the program, it looks like the controversial red light cameras will soon be a thing of the past.