Seattle Magazine on the Great Red Light Camera Conspiracy:

So why is it that Seattle and other cities are free to rake in the dough via such a high-priced fine? It would appear they are exposing a loophole left open by the 2005 state Legislature when it allowed for installation of traffic-light cameras: Legislators decided the fine should be in line with what it might cost for a parking ticket, but they didn’t say what kind of parking ticket.

Of the 20 cities in the state that employ red-light cameras, all have chosen to issue fines that are at the high end of the parking-ticket spectrum. Seattle started at $101, then raised it to $124 in 2007 to be consistent with what it would cost a motorist being ticketed by a uniformed officer for running a red light.

I hate those frickin' cameras. Which means Danny Westneat and I agree on something.

Blurg.