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# Letters: Readers back red light cameras and Third Street Promenade surveillance
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/082302-story/
- Published: 2002-08-23T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T00:41:47.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Promenade, #archive-import

■ “I do think we need to set up those red light cameras. Too many people are running red lights, especially where I work near 26th Street and San Vicente Boulevard. I see cars zooming through in both directions. One of these days somebody is going to get killed. Not only that, there is a no turn on red and I see people turn anyway. Moms with carriages almost get hit! Let’s have those red light cameras. The only people that they are going to bother is guilty people. Other people have nothing to fear and nothing to worry about are happy to see them because they make the streets safer for everybody.” ■ “I believe that the installation of cameras at various intersections is an excellent idea. I know that when I am driving in other parts of Los Angeles I am more conscious of not trying to beat the yellow to red light as I know they are very expensive and it makes me a better driver. I also believe that installing surveillance cameras on the Third Street Promenade would not only deter crime but might help to make law abiding citizens more comfortable regarding their safety and make criminals more aware that they will be caught. I do not believe that these cameras are an invasion of privacy. I do feel, however, that in these vicinities there should be large signs notifying the public that there are cameras. Regarding the beach cameras, they could actually help the lifeguards. I don’t think that lifeguards can watch over everyone with the naked eye. I’m not even sure if there are many lifeguards right now?” ■ “I think there is an argument for the cameras at intersections. But, goodness, not the beach. This is a place where people want to go to relax and get in touch with nature and to think that cameras are following your every move... I think the lifeguards would work less and zoom in on pretty girls and guys! Put them at intersections, but keep them away from the Promenade and especially the beach!” ■ “I do believe that the cameras are necessary. Yes, it is a compromise to your privacy, yet it is a necessity. I ride a bicycle around town, and if I was not alert and on the ball, I could be killed so many times. I see so many near accidents when people go right through red lights at a tremendous speed. It’s unbelievable! Cars do not stop for pedestrians or people on bikes. Videos would relieve some of the pressure.” ■ “Santa Monica drivers are out of control. Often running red lights while on cell phones. Surveillance cameras seem like a good idea to prevent this. Intersections in West Los Angeles, Culver City near Costco, all have signage posted very obviously. Maybe it will save a life. While they are at it, I think the idea along the Promenade and the beach is a great idea. Maybe ‘Big Brother’ ought to be monitored in City Hall and have cameras on the rent control board. They’ve been running amuck for over 20 years.” ■ “I am a citizen in Santa Monica. I was born and raised here. I’ve always thought this city is peaceful and quiet. The fact that they are going to put cameras all over town watching everybody’s every move, our privacy is going to be totally ruined. That feeling that someone is always watching you is terrible to go through life with. I really hope that these laws don’t pass.” ■ “I do believe that these cameras are an invasion of the people’s privacy. One more act of control. There are other ways to slow down the speeding maniacs in out city. One way that comes to mind is to install large signs at some of the busy intersections posting the amount of fine that would be levied on those running a red traffic light. These signs are quite intimidating and do slow people down and makes one think about what they are doing and what it could cost them. I’ve seen this in other cities. Also, post police at these locations. Utilize people to do this job, not machines that will cost the city huge amounts of money. Employee more people.” ■ “As a pedestrian, as most people are at sometime, I welcome it. I would like to see them at crosswalks as well as intersections. The rules should be enforced.” ■ “The officials should forget about surveillance cameras at certain intersections in Santa Monica. The police department says it would cost at least $4 million to install plus thousands of dollars to maintain. Just use live officers to spot check the red lighters.” ■“I think it’s a scam and a farce to install cameras at lights to stop people from running red lights. Those cameras are a lot of the time put in places with no traffic, especially late at night. You don’t ever see the cops stopping those who run red lights sometimes two and three at a time on left turns. I’ve sat through my whole green light to wait for those people! What sense does that make?” ■“There are many streets that need them. Especially Wilshire and Lincoln. I’m sure that there are many others that need them as well. I do not believe that this is an invasion of privacy.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 23, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/082302.pdf?ref=smdp.com)