Lawrence Police Address 'Inaccurate' Media Report About Red Light Camera Tickets

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Lawrence Township Police.

This morning, Feb. 9, 2012, there was an article in The Times of Trenton, on the front page, discussing the Red-Light Camera program and the number of summonses which were dismissed. This article is false and inaccurate.

Judge Kevin Nerwinski of the Lawrence Township Municipal Court on Tuesday evening, Feb. 7, 2012 regarding his department budget. During that conversation, Judge Nerwinski stated as of that date (Feb. 7, 2012) the following facts:

1. 1104 summonses were issued for the month of January at the intersection of Route 1 at Franklin Corner Road/Bakers Basin Road for violations of the Red-Light Camera Program
2. 932 summonses were disposed of (not dismissed!)
   1. 3 summonses were dismissed in the Lawrence Township Municipal Court
   2. 929 summonses were paid out of court! This number indicates that a person received a summons and paid the fine out of court (There have been no court trials for the Red-Light Camera Program)

During his discussion with the Lawrence Township Council, Judge Nerwinski indicated that with the increase of summonses being issued by the Red-Light Camera program, his Department is seeing an increase in telephone calls from citizens as well as more administrative work. At no time did Judge Nerwinski indicate that the program is a burden to any member of the staff of the Lawrence Township Court nor did Judge Nerwinski ever give any personal indication that the Lawrence Township Court was overwhelmed. It is completely false that Judge Nerwinski stated, as quoted by Samantha Costa, Staff Reporter for The Times “the traffic court is feeling the strain of the sudden rise in traffic cases-and the fruitless summonses.”

Although early to adequately measure, The Township of Lawrence does believe that the Red-Light Camera program has so far shown a great chance of success in improving safety at a very dangerous intersection.

Any questions regarding this press release can be forwarded to Chief of Police Daniel A. Posluszny, Lawrence Township Police Department, (609) 844-7101.