Red light cameras – helping or hindering safety?

Red light cameras have seen a mixed response in recent years, leading to many US states enacting legislation permitting, limiting or prohibiting the use of speed or red light cameras at the state or local level.

The recent news that New Jersey is scheduled to discontinue use of red light cameras on 16 December, as well as the fact that several other cities and states are considering similar moves, raises the question of whether red light cameras actually increase or  decrease safety.