Red light camera tech in place, but not supported by laws – commish

Contrary to the notion that is held in some circles, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), similar to its international counterparts, has the technology in place to photograph and send tickets to the addresses of motorists who run red lights across the country.

But motorists who now get away without punitive actions are able to do so because, while the technology is in place, it not supported  by the requisite legislation, as exists in other global jurisdictions.

The disclosure was made by Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, during a presentation at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) monthly meeting last week.

"I hear persons say that when you're in other countries, and people run the red lights, cameras take your photographs and ticket reach your home before you. We have all of that technology and that capability," Blake revealed.

"The challenge we have is the legislation, and that is being addressed," he added.

The police commissioner explained that in some countries, cops are able to photograph the violating motorists and send tickets to their homes "because the liabilities with are the owner of the vehicle, not on the driver.

 "If you have a motor vehicle in the US and someone else is driving it, and it runs a red light, you are the one getting the ticket, it goes to your house.  And if you don't pay it, it's your licence (that) gets suspended, right? Our laws are not like that," he said.

However, Blake assured that efforts are under way to overcome that challenge.