A report by a town committee in Swampscott, Massachusetts recommends against red light cameras on the grounds of safety. A committee established to determine whether Swampscott, Massachusetts should install red light cameras concluded Monday that the devices were not suitable for the town.

“The limited number of angle crashes, combined with the likelihood that RLCs increase rear-end crashes, led the committee to conclude that the installation of RLCs is contra-indicated at all signalized intersections in Swampscott. Strictly on the basis of public safety, the committee recommends against the use of RLCs in Swampscott.”

On the positive side, the committee did find that red light cameras did not endanger privacy and that they could generate up to $490,000 in revenue in the first year. The report also discusses a number of engineering changes, including lengthened yellow warning times, that could improve safety without any downsides.

But the selectmen are pushing forward with an attempt to install the red light cameras despite the town meeting vote and a committee recomendation against their use. A town meeting will be held on November 13 where officials will make a second attempt to sell residents on the proposal.

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