red light camera scam

Question

Thank you to the city of Aventura. You beat us with your scam red light camera " wb wm lehman cswy/sr 856/ne 192nd St" but we will NEVER grace the Mall or any other establishment in your CITY again . For those who are interested in looking up the intersection on the internet feel free to read all about it as they say. Even your police are embarrassed about this scam. My wife and I have over one hundred years of safe ,violation free driving .Both of us drove while employed. Then to have a notice sent to our home for an innocuous ,innocent incidence via Arizona enforcement is an insult . I doubt if a human stopped us after reviewing our record a $168. ticket would not have been issued. We have visited Florida for over 20 years, now for months at a time, and not even so much as a parking ticket. Maybe it's time to move on. Macy's has stores in other cities and towns ,good bye

Answer

Red light cameras, like the one you mentioned in Aventura at the intersection of SR 856 / NE 192nd St (WB WM Lehman Causeway), are a controversial topic in many U.S. cities. They are designed to photograph vehicles that enter intersections after the traffic signal turns red, primarily for safety reasons to reduce collisions. However, many drivers have reported frustrations similar to yours, feeling that the enforcement can be overly punitive or automated in a way that seems unfair.

Understanding Red Light Camera Citations

These citations are usually issued to the registered vehicle owner, not necessarily the driver at the time.
Tickets can be sent from a third-party contractor or enforcement company, sometimes out-of-state, which can make the process feel impersonal or confusing.
The fines for red light cameras in Florida generally range from $158–$168 per violation, depending on the city or county.

Controversy and “Scam” Perception

Many residents and visitors feel that red light cameras are revenue-generating rather than purely safety-focused. Studies have shown mixed results on whether collisions decrease significantly with cameras.
Some drivers dispute citations by arguing that the infraction was minor, the timing of the light was ambiguous, or they were unaware of the enforcement. This can lead to frustration, especially for long-time safe drivers.
Municipalities like Aventura contract with private companies for camera installation and enforcement, which adds to the perception that tickets are more about money than safety.

Options for Drivers Receiving a Citation

Review the citation carefully, including the photographic or video evidence provided.
Consider disputing the ticket in the city’s traffic court if you believe it was unjust. Many jurisdictions allow online or mail-in challenges.
Check for any available discounts, community service options, or traffic school alternatives if you are found liable but want to mitigate penalties.
Stay aware of the locations of red light cameras if you plan to drive in the area again, or consider alternate routes to avoid them.

While many people feel strongly about avoiding red light camera intersections, it’s important to know that the city enforces them consistently and legally. They are intended to improve traffic safety, even if some citations feel unfair to experienced drivers. For visitors, being informed of high-traffic intersections with cameras and approaching with caution can help prevent unexpected fines.