Rogersville ponders traffic camera for 11-W intersection

I think this is a good idea. Props to the BMA for considering this. See, they're not all bad.

It's a killer intersection and I think it's a good idea for that location. However I suspect cash flow motivates the BMA more than safety. If it was strictly a safety issue, they would have long ago placed and maintained a more visible police presence at the location. Still, regardless of motives... it will help reduce injuries and save lives.

they really need one at every point at that intersection or at least put those cameras on the poles that monitor the intersection. This way they could have 4 different views of what happened and when.

Of course cash flow motivates them but you can't say more than safety. They're not heartless. Those things are very expensive and as soon as they start spending money on big ticket items like that, then somebody is going to start giving them grief about it.

11w is a tough road to do the speed limit on, I know that's a poor excuse but it's true.
I just purchased a can of photo blocker which makes your plate number visible to the human eye but will block out the plate number when photograghed with a speed camera. You can't tell if the plate has been treated or not. If anyones interested just goggle photo blocker and buy it online. I chipped in with a friend cause it cost about 35 dollars. Screw them if they want to hire a machine in lieu of a real person.

Um, Lenny I hate to tell you this after you've done spend $35, but I think your photo blocker was on Myth Busters - and it was busted.

I really need an edit button.

1. If we are to do this, let us take it into a higher gear. These cameras generate revenue, that being the least concern. Lives are saved, property protected, etc. But lets vote 4-6 of these, a few of which would be capable of doing 360's to watch numerous areas that are known to be "Problem areas". 2. The crowd that will digress and re-appear elsewhere, can then be watched by a portable unit, taken to any needed location, telemetry sent where needed.

Okay, I was at the BMA meeting and I think this is, at least currently, being blown way out of proportion. With all due respect to Jeff Bobo and the Times-News, the issue was discussed because a private citizen presented the board with a list of possible ways to make the intersection safer. There was not really even an "official" discussion of traffic cameras, even though it was on the list and mentioned with a lot of other potentially good ideas. Anything Rogersville does with that intersection is going to have to be approved by the state first, and that begins with sending them the list and seeing what they might consider.

Unless it was discussed outside of the meeting, and we all know that doesn't happen, errrrrr...shouldn't happen, there was no intent to increase any revenues spoken about.

There were lots of good ideas on the list. The placement of cameras was just one of them. I'm not saying it's a bad idea. We all know how dangerous that intersection is. But, I'm going to do something I rarely do and that's give kudos to the BMA for forward-thinking. I really didn't see even a glimmer in the eye that suggested the revenue would be helpful. The true attitude was that of safety. Personally I think the focus shouldn't be on red light cameras, but more on ways of making the drivers aware of the potential of a red light looming over the top of the hill going west on 11-W. A good point was made that the nearest red light in either direction on 11-W from Park Blvd. is at least 15 miles. Drivers get sort of lulled to sleep in that length of time on a straight road with a decent speed limit.

If a camera is considered at all, my thought is it should be a speed camera. You can argue that it shouldn't replace a human, but putting a human there 24/7/365 isn't really practical. A camera can be there without breaks, vacations, other calls, etc.

One of the best suggestions, in my book, was to not allow a left turn onto Park Blvd. from 11-W except on a green arrow. Currently, a left turn is allowed by a green ball which follows the arrow even when traffic headed east has a green. At highway speed, that's potential for serious consequences.

Now I've given the BMA their props on this item, even though the idea came from a non-member. If you want to talk about other parts of the meeting then I might take a different side.

Why is the green arrow like that? My husband and I were almost hit by a car turning left onto Park Blvd. Apparently both of us had a green turn arrow.

What other parts?

Angie Gibson-Herrell wrote:

Um, Lenny I hate to tell you this after you've done spend $35, but I think your photo blocker was on Myth Busters - and it was busted.

Now you tell me! I just went through Mt Carmel at a screaming 85 mph with my middle finger sticking out the window presenting the only proper salute.

ever noticed goshen valley red light. the warning lights always blink. everywhere else in the country ive seen, they only blink when its gonna change, and you will have to stop.. i think that would be a good idea at the 11w red lights in rogersville. place a sign, 3/4 mile from light, when it starts blinking, then you know ya gonna have to stop. it will make you aware ahead of time, with plenty of time to stop.. but thats my opinion..thx..taylor

Put them up!!! Maybe a life will be saved. Especially from Short Mountain Drivers!

Lenny wrote:

<quoted text>
Now you tell me! I just went through Mt Carmel at a screaming 85 mph with my middle finger sticking out the window presenting the only proper salute.

Lenny you brought up speeding through the cameras and doing the salute, do you read angies blog? I think great minds must think alike or you two will be sent to jail at the same time.

its bs

Put up the cameras! We were hit by a woman last year when she ran that particular red light! She was high as a kite yet no one tested her for drugs or alcohol. She was not sited either! She also had no insurance. She was not sited for that either! I was very disappointed with our law enforcement here in Rogersville. After she ran the red light and totaled our vehicle she tried to sue us three times!

Mark DeWitte wrote:

Okay, I was at the BMA meeting and I think this is, at least currently, being blown way out of proportion.

The Times News blowing something way out of proportion...I just can't imagine that.

Angie Gibson-Herrell wrote:

Um, Lenny I hate to tell you this after you've done spend $35, but I think your photo blocker was on Myth Busters - and it was busted.

SHe's right, it was busted, the spray, the covers, all of them.

So Funny wrote:

<quoted text>
Lenny you brought up speeding through the cameras and doing the salute, do you read angies blog? I think great minds must think alike or you two will be sent to jail at the same time.

Maybe but Lenny will be heading to the hoosegow by himself because my plan included a souped-up unregistered race car and a George Bush mask.

That would be the only proven counter-technology so far.