Adam Tuss, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Are some red-light cameras in the area too sensitive, or are they just functioning the way they are supposed to?
Drivers tell WTOP that red-light cameras in certain locations seem to be flashing, even though a car doesn’t run a red light. There have been particular complaints about cameras in Montgomery County. The blog Stop Big Brother Maryland also points out the occurrences.
Turns out, there’s a reason for all the extra flashing.
“It’s a warning flash,” says Capt. Paul Starks with the Montgomery County Police Department.
At the end of last year, Montgomery County started updating its red-light cameras, and the new devices will send out a flash if they register a car as approaching an intersection too fast.
“It’s something that is meant to get the driver’s attention,” says Starks.
No fines are sent in the mail from these warning flashes.
In addition, drivers may be getting used to flashes at brand new camera locations.
“Sometimes, when we first install cameras, we have them flashing for violations as a way to draw more attention to a new location and camera but do not send notices for a period of time,” says Starks.
The good news for drivers: Even though you may have seen the flash in your rear view mirror, you may not have to pay a fine.
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