A License Plate Recognition and Speed Detection System - Index of

experience high traffic volumes or high speeds where stop signs are not appropriate. A second
alternative is to adjust the signal’s timing to provide a longer yellow light. Even where the
signal’s yellow phase had been lengthened, people still ran the red light. A third suggested
alternative has been to change the geometry of the intersection to make the traffic signals more
visible to drivers.
However speed and distraction are the main culprits resulting in drivers running red
lights. Proponents of these traffic control devices claim that the gain in safer roadways is
measurable. Indeed, both the Insurance Institute for Traffic Safety and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Commission supports their use. The cameras photograph only the vehicle’s license
plate thereby reducing the privacy issues. Adequate notice is given to the persons receiving the
citation to allow them to obtain legal counsel. The public highway does not provide for the same
expectation of privacy that is accorded a person's home. All drivers operate their vehicles in plain
and open view. Finally, in all states of the Union, speeding and running traffic lights is against
the law. Connecticut was the first state to adopt speed laws in 1901; 12 mph in the city and 15
mph in rural areas (Ref. 23).
The preceding was a necessarily brief overview of the legality of these traffic control
devices. For those interested in this area, we urge you to follow up with the references and
resources provided at the end of this work.
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