2011 but really true today. Almost all the push is really about revenue.
Cash-strapped cities are outsourcing traffic enforcement to for-profit companies, creating a dangerous conflict of interest. These firms, including Redflex and American Traffic Solutions, profit from issuing more tickets, leading them to lobby against safety measures and lock municipalities into abusive contracts that penalize safety improvements. This privatization of law enforcement undermines public trust and removes the discretion of police officers, replacing it with automated, profit-driven systems. The practice has sparked widespread citizen backlash, with numerous communities voting to end their camera programs. While automated enforcement can be a tool for safety if publicly managed, a U.S. PIRG report warns that the profit motive in private contracts prioritizes revenue over the public good, calling for reforms that ensure public control, transparency, and a focus on safety over fines.