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Calling all civil libertarians. We need your help.
Last week the state legislature's Transportation Committee approved a bill that threatens our basic privacy and due process rights by permitting red light cameras in Connecticut. Red light cameras are being sold as a way for police to catch dangerous red-light runners and protect the public. What they are, in fact, is a way for private companies to make millions by ticketing the public en masse, often for barely perceptible infractions, while violating fundamental civil liberties - with no demonstrable safety benefit.
The committee acted even after hearing hours of testimony, including information about better ways to make intersections safer. In Michigan, the AAA and government traffic engineers cut accidents and injuries in half by re-timing yellow lights and making other design changes to intersections -- all without photographing, fining or ticketing anyone.
Fifteen states ban red light cameras, but the lobbyists for private camera companies who pushed the bill through committee will keep working hard to have it fast-tracked and enacted into law in Connecticut because these companies stand to make a lot of money if they can get it rammed through.
The good news is that we still have a chance to stop it. We just need your help. Please take two minutes to contact your state senator and representative and ask them to vote no on red light cameras.
It's easy. Type your name and address into this form and it will automatically identify your legislators and compose an email for you.
If you're the do-it-yourself type, you can get your legislators' contact information here.
If you would like more information about red light cameras please visit the Stop the Cameras website at www.stopthecameras.org.
Please contact your legislators today because your email can help stop this unfair, unproven and unnecessary invasion of our privacy. After you’ve sent your email please forward this alert to your friends and family and urge them to contact their legislators.
Because freedom can’t protect itself.
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