Title: Controversy associated with red-light traffic cameras: road public safety or nuisance?

Authors: Alan D. Smith; Anna Abdulmanova

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Robert Morris University, Moon Township (Pittsburgh), PA 15108, USA ' Department of Finance, Robert Morris University, Moon Township (Pittsburgh), PA 15108, USA

Abstract: Red-light traffic enforcement cameras have become an important topic associated with public safety as proven speed-control devices that reduce traffic accidents. Unfortunately, much public opinion of the red-light traffic cameras delves into concerns with the avoidance of driving behaviours and conspiracy/privacy issues. A relatively large sample (n = 2,312), primarily well-educated, younger drivers from the Western PA and NE Ohio was analysed through graphical and multivariate statistical analyses, testing two major hypotheses derived mainly from an application of theory of avoidance behaviour (ToAB) in regard to red-light cameras. Perceptions, from the viewpoints of the males and females, concerning benefits and nuisance factors found strong almost universal support for its safety and purpose, but many disagree on much intrinsic and extrinsic behaviour. There was equal universal agreement on the systemic failure of both private and public drivers' education/training on the subject of speed-control devices.

Keywords: gratification; red-light cameras; public safety; speed-control devices; theory of avoidance behaviour; ToAB; traffic accidents; turnabouts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2025.147407

International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, 2025 Vol.20 No.4, pp.431 - 467

Received: 19 Mar 2024
Accepted: 22 Apr 2024
Published online: 15 Jul 2025 *

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