Red-Light Cameras Reducing Crashes in New Jersey

State Transportation Department officials have found fewer crashes at intersections equipped with red-light cameras in New Jersey.

But the report also says the sample size is too small to draw conclusions.

Officials say crashes were down 27 percent at 22 intersections where the cameras were in operation for at least two full years. More dangerous right-angle accidents have dropped 60 percent and rear-end crashes were reduced by 7 percent.

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, who is a vocal critic of the program, tells The Star-Ledger of Newark nine intersections that don’t have cameras and were used as a control group had an overall crash reduction rate of nearly 46 percent.

The state must decide whether the keep the devices before the five-year red-light camera pilot program ends on Dec. 16.