At the recommendation of Business Administrator Marlena Schmid, Council canceled bids for the “Automated Photo Enforcement System” to put cameras at two traffic signals in town.
Schmid explained a dilemma she saw. “There were two locations that were under consideration for a pilot program — Route 1 and Carnegie Center, and Washington Road and Route 1. The township did go out for bids, but the process that was used should have been under competitive contracting and that’s why I recommend Council reject the bids,” Schmid said.
She added that red light cameras have recently been under scrutiny in the state. Schmid cited an example from Edison where a traffic light was not in conformance with the walk signal at the intersection, causing a conflict.
“There’s even legislation now that was put forth by a senator who would like to see those cameras banned. If the legislation succeeds in both houses, the senator would like to see municipalities that don’t have cameras already not be permitted to have cameras. Also, those that are participating in the pilot project would no longer be permitted to use the cameras once the pilot timeframe expires. There are no more pilot slots open through the DOT,” she said.
