Red light camera fraud

Automatic detection of red-light runners seemed like a great idea, once upon a time. As it turned out, however, the detectors were installed less as a safety measure than as a money-maker -- with predictable results:

The T-Redspeed system - a revolutionary camera technology - has been in use for two years in 300 areas across Italy. . .

It is believed more than a million drivers have been trapped by the system.

But it is now claimed the lights were rigged to change from yellow to red in three seconds instead of the regulation five or six seconds. . .

The fraud may have netted as much as $170m (£116.4m) for those involved.

The scheme's inventor is now under house arrest, though his lawyers say he is innocent.

More than 100 other people including 63 police commanders are also being investigated as part of the scam.

From the BBC.

Posted by David on January 31, 2009 10:03 PM