SOUND OFF: Tampa Road Quick Yellow Light Has Drivers Mad

Red-light cameras always have their supporters and detractors—especially for those who get caught with a ticket.

One intersection has an East Lake Patch blogger up in arms, though, because he believes that the quick yellow light isn't fair to drivers.

The red-light cameras at State Route 580 and Tampa Road in Oldsmar are bit of a quick trigger because the yellow light only lasts about 3 seconds, which is about one second shorter than most cameras regulated by the Florida Department of Transporation, but not short enough to be illegal, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Is all fair in love, war and red-light cameras? Have you received a ticket at this camera? Share your thoughts below.

Blogger David Conkle chornicled his experience at the intersection that many East Lake residents use to get to Tampa:

There appears to be very little reason for a red-light camera at this intersection other than a previously shortened yellow light to increase revenue for the city, the state and the vendor.

When my supposed violation occurred, I was the third vehicle in line and due to hesitation by the lead car, I failed to completely get over the white line before the light turned red. And yes, I had a driver right on my rear bumper that had honked their horn when the lead driver hesitated.

If the yellow-light timing had followed DOT guidelines, this would not be an issue for myself or the many others who received this unfair violation fine. Before changing the yellow light timing at this intersection fines totaled $158,158 and after the correction these fines totaled $81,084 cutting revenue by almost half the previous total.

There is some good news for some, as reader Cristine Reidy Kreplick, responded on the blog pointing to story in The Bradenton Herald where Florida lawmakers are seeking to repeal the use of red-light cameras in the state. Kreplick also shared on Safety Harbor Patch's Facebook page that she received a warning at the questionable intersection, too.

Oldsmar city officials estimated 100 traffic crashes at red lights in the city between Nov. 2010-2011, ABC Action News reported.

The debate about red-light cameras is never ending, but what do you think about Tampa Road and State Route 580. Are there a lot of crashes there to warrant a camera and a quicker yellow light?